Where is the ignition timing mark?

[marcus]

I want to check the ignition timing on my EX engine, a 1985 1.8 GTL (carb) but am not sure where to look for the timing mark(s), can anyone point me in the right direction? Haynes seems pretty vague on the subject, there is mention of a sensor or plug on top of the gearbox which can be removed but no further details or diagrams or photos...

[fonzooorooo]

i've only ever pointed a strobe at the pulley on the crank, or at the camshaft sprocket. Both have marks. The EX had quite a lot of advance, (16 degrees I seem to remember form the Haynes) But I've found the Nate school of "advance till it pinks, then back it off a bit" a lot more effective than setting by the book.

[Funky Diver]

The plug on the top of the gear box bell housing looks like this



From there Haynes describes it fairly well, for static timing. Then do the above. HTH :)

[marcus]

Thanks for that - bet mine won't look as clean as that!

How hard to get off and what tool to use? The only thing I can think of is the outside of a box spanner, assuming a suitable size exists (and can be found in my toolbox...).

[Funky Diver]

You don't need to take it off, there's a cap in the centre that you pull out to view through the hole to align the flywheel to TDC.

From there follow the above schtuff.

[scirocogtx]

I seem to remember that the plug takes a 27mm socket headed size bolt head. If you can get a bolt with a big enough head and possibly weld or use a couple nuts with a socket on the other end of it you can remove the whole plug, using the original bolt head inside of it.
To see TDC and the advance mark properly with a strobe you need to remove the whole plug.

VW dealers do still stock the gearbox inspection plug if it becomes damaged.