How do i set the timing belt

spark or cam ?????????????????
and which engine, some cars have up to 10 choices.
most are about 3 or 4.
not of this can i guess.

to late now . you have to time it before you put on the belt

timing belts on a car its like heart surgety cant trust to do it anybody has to be a pro...

There is no official replacement guide for this part, but most most mechanics think the timing belt should be inspected every 30,000 miles and replaced every 60,000 miles. If the timing belt stretches or breaks, serious damage can be done to the internal components of your engine
Read more: How to Replace the Timing Belt on a 1990 VW Fox ' eHow.com

Well!
When a timing belt breaks, That means there is 99% chance that the valve wont get bent but you really need to check them and if you would like to you can do that after you put new timing belt on. what Year and model is that Volkswagen ? Thanks

Set your timing mark on outer cover to the flywheel timing mark on pulley(T mark), then take the covers off and look you will clearly see marks that line up on the cam pulley to block,crank gear to block, and water pump shaft to crank (separate belt replace both, and replace water pump in high mile cars. ) These marks will all line up when you rotate the motor to top dead center on the compression stroke..

sounds like the starter has a flat spot on the solenoid. remove and test the starter, replace if necessary.

have u a spark, if so check the timings not 180degress out

Tune-up Specifications
Air/Fuel Ratio 0.7% Air/Fuel Ratio-Limits[1] 0.3 - 1.1% Timing[2] 6°+/- 1°BTDC Timing Advance[3] 30°+/- 3°BTDC Idle RPM[4] 800 +/- 50 [1] Check CO with the oxygen sensor connected. [2] AT 2300 RPM, and coolant temperature sensor disconnected. [3] Normal operating temperature, with coolant temp. sensor connected, at 2300 RPM. Add initial timing. [4] A/C off.
Timing mark is on flywheel, access hole is on top of bellhousing. Remove access plug with 27mm wrench if necessary
Firing Order is > 1342 Clockwise Rotation & #1 Plug Wire is at 2 Oclock on Distribitor Cap


Align the mark (can be a dot or notch) on the intermediate shaft sprocket with the notch in the crank pulley. Align the mark (can be a dot or notch) on the "Back" of camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the valve cover gasket. Be sure all the timing marks are properly aligned.

For further information refer to Timing Belt : Service and Repair
NOTE : The 8 valve engine requires a special wrench, Volkswagen No. US4493 or equivalent, to adjust the camshaft drive belt tensioner. Whenever the drive belt is removed and refitted, the camshaft and intermediate shaft timing MUST be adjusted. The drive belt can be replaced without removing the belt sprockets.

1. Loosen alternator adjusting bolts and remove the fan belt.
2. Remove the water pump pulley bolts and remove the pulley.
3. Remove the upper timing cover bolts and remove the cover.
4. Remove the timing belt guide, if equipped.
5. Turn the engine by hand to set the No. 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) and remove the crankshaft pulley.
6. Remove bolt and nuts securing the lower timing cover and remove the cover. CAUTION: Turning the camshaft or crankshaft with the timing belt removed may cause damage to pistons and/or valves.
7. Loosen timing belt tensioner locknut, release belt tension and remove belt from sprockets.
8. Inspect belt for visible damage such as missing teeth or exposed threads. Inspect tensioner bearing for smooth running. Any damaged components should be replaced.

NOTE : On high mileage engines, failure of the tensioner bearing is a possibility. Consider replacing the bearing when replacing the timing belt.

1. Align the mark (can be a dot or notch) on the intermediate shaft sprocket with the notch in the crank pulley. Align the mark (can be a dot or notch) on the "Back" of camshaft sprocket with the top edge of the valve cover gasket. Be sure all the timing marks are properly aligned.
2. Temporarily install the crankshaft pulley to the crankshaft. Fit the timing belt starting with the crankshaft and intermediate shaft sprockets. Fit the belt so that it is as tight as possible between the crankshaft and the intermediate shaft sprockets and between the intermediate shaft and camshaft sprockets.
   1. Turn the belt tensioner clockwise to adjust the tension. The direction is important to avoid contact with the timing cover. Check the tension by twisting the belt as shown. You should be able to twist it no more than 90 degrees.
   2. Tighten the tensioner locknut to: 33 ft lbs (45 Nm)
   3. Rotate the crankshaft two revolutions and recheck the belt tension and the timing marks for proper alignment.
   NOTE: Very slight movement of sprockets and marks can be expected as belt tension is adjusted. Slight movement is OK. The smallest possible increment of adjustment is one whole tooth of the belt or sprocket.
   1. Remove the crankshaft pulley and refit the lower timing cover. Tighten the bolts to: 87 in lbs (10 Nm)
   2. Refit crankshaft pulley and tighten the bolts to: 15 ft lbs (20 Nm)
   3. Refit timing belt guide, if equipped.
   4. Refit upper timing cover and tighten bolt and nuts to: 87 in lbs (10 Nm)
   5. Refit water pump pulley and tighten the bolts to: 15 ft lbs (20 Nm)
   6. Refit fan belt and adjust tension. Tighten alternator adjusting bolts.
   
   Please Dont Forget To RATE ME !
   

the tension setting for the belt?

or the timing marks? the timing marks differ. best set cyl. no 1 to tdc.. take out no. 1 spark plug and put sumthin long and thin down the hole.. like a long quarter drive extension.. and check to see that cyl 1 is at tdc.. then set your cam to the OT marks marked on the cam pulley and rocker cover... then you have to set the distributor also.. slacken the 13mm bolt for the dizzy clamp... you will find a line on the lip of the dizzy body.. this needs to align with the middle of rotor arm tip... (sumtimes a mark on the roror arm tip)... tension belt and your timing is set.. set your timing incorrectly and the car will run rough and not rev past 5k...