Timing issue with 2.0 could use some help

[joe jr.]

So I posted in the 2.0 tech section but no replies.
My car was sputtering at low rpms and so I thought I'd check timing. I slipped the timing belt off and did the tdc thing with the crank pulley and the cam gear and dist. I realized after trying to start it that I used the wrong mark on the cam gear. Took the belt off again aligned marks as shown and the motor is making a noise while trying to start that sounds like just the starter turning and no engine .. Hard to describe the sound...

Anyone????

Thanks. Joe.

quick pic of the car......just for pic's sake...

[summitoker]

good chance that your pistons and valves met due to faulty timing, time for a new head.

[jackyltardvaark]

Make sure to use the Flywheel mark for the crankshaft not the front pulley.

ABA 2.0's are notorious for the damper coming loose on the rubber with the mark and not actually being on TDC

[MK2G60T]

good chance that your pistons and valves met due to faulty timing, time for a new head.

IIRC, ABA is non interference motor. Even if the valves were bent the head should be fine.


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[Beitz DUB]

Make sure to use the Flywheel mark for the crankshaft not the front pulley.

ABA 2.0's are notorious for the damper coming loose on the rubber with the mark and not actually being on TDC

Not to sound like Internet tough guy, but, yeah what Troy said. Lost my ass really bad on a damper shifting tdc mark...fool me once....

[joe jr.]

Yeah I've read plenty of arguments on the site about interference or not. Im thinking it really just depends on your luck...

Got the car running again...I started this whole thing because of this low rpm sputtering thing and had to find out the hard way that you really should use the flywheel marks when checking timing...

Anyways, now back to figuring out this missing thing. I've replaced plugs, wires, cap & rotor, & coil. I guess I'm on to fuel next. I had a Ranger that was giving me similar issues before and it ended up being a clogged up fuel filter. I've been checking grounds as I go and also pulled the o2 sensor today to see if it changed anything... Nope..

Just for the record this my 2nd GTI and 5th mark3...

I think I have a car problem....

[Smokestack]

Could be a bad hall sensor in the distributor. I've seen cheap plug wires (even new ones) cause misses. Nothing schools you better on how bad the parts at local parts stores are than their plug wires on an ABA.

[alextakesphotos]

Could be a bad hall sensor in the distributor

I had this go bad on my 2L not too long ago after I changed my timing belt. I thought I had the timing was all messed up but after checking everything, timing was right.

I went off changing spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, coil and even the engine sensor.

Took me forever to finally figure out it was that hall sensor. I swapped out the distributor for a refurbished one and back to normal.

OP if you need any help let me know. Ill be more than happy to help.

[joe jr.]

Alex,
Thanks for the reply. I know there's lots of people on this site and you can spend hours reading threads every day. From your experience where did you pick up a refurbished dizzy? I watch CL for parts cars, so I'm thinking I could do that on the cheap but then you don't really know what you're getting...Ive spent enough money trying to get this thing figured out already.

I drove the car yesterday and was excited because it ran great with out the mis until it warmed up... Then as soon as it was back to normal temp it was missing like crazy.so then I start thinking its something the computer changes by temp that is effecting it , fuel, timing?...

[alextakesphotos]

I don't think my car would misfired. it was more of a slight bucking at acceleration/ underpowered until certain rpm/random rpm once the car warmed up. It was fine when cold too.

Do you have access to a VAG-COM. Thats how I finally figured out what it was for me.

Now they say you can change the hall sensor alone but its gonna be better to buy the distributor because you have to take it out either way.

I got mine at advance auto parts for $95 + core. otherwise is an extra $60 I think.

Again, let me know if you need help.

[alextakesphotos]

any updates?

[joe jr.]

Alex,
thanks for checking in with me. I haven't touched the car in a while. I've just been busy. I need to get back to this weekend. I just bought a Mustang that i'm messing with right now.

have a week, i'll let you know when i get to it this week.

joe