1.8 engine timing mark Options

[mcericmc]

There is only one timing mark on my 1.8 fan. It's visible through a notch on the rear side of the fan via the inspection port. Pelican parts info says the mark is TDC. Auto Atlanta says it's 7.5 degrees BTDC in the 914 tech tips 700 book. Can someone please tell me which is correct? I need to make sure the timing and valves are adjusted properly. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif)

[Jack Standz]

Ok, here's a follow-up to my previous attempt to post information on how to figure out where Top Dead Center (TDC) for cylinder #1 is on your motor. Please note that when timing the motor it is important to understand the difference between TDC when cylinder #1 is on its compression stroke versus the exhaust stroke.

You only need the TDC fan marking for valve adjustments and ignition timing. Any other marks on the fan or flywheel aren't needed. It doesn't matter if it's an ljet fan, djet fan, a bus fan, a 411/412 fan, etc.

Take a marker, white paint or even a crayon. If there isn't a mark there already, put a mark in the middle of fin #6 and fin #7 (TDC is actually a tiny bit closer to fin #6 than fin #7, if that matters to you). That's close enough to TDC for #1 cylinder to perform valve adjustments and set your timing. Even though a standard timing light can be used, strongly encourage using a dial back timing Iight.

Additional instructions start at the third post:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=699839