I have 1988 vw Cabriolet I just bought. Timing

Sounds like you have one or both of the belts off by a tooth. Did u use cam locks to hold the camshafts in place. If it is a zero tolerance engine you may have messed a few things up.

Check the timing belt. You say it won't turn with the starter? Or do you mean it won't start with the starter?

I would remove and verify the rotor is turning when the motor is cranked over, you may have a broken timing belt. Also check the ignition control module which is mounted under the hood, driver side, upper firewall, mounted below plastic drip tray.

ignition module,check,if good could be timing belt.










TIM..........

What is needed Tools: 6mm and 8mm allen wrench socket, 5mm allen wrench. 8mm, 13mm, 19mm socket and ratchet. 10mm combination wrench. Long ratchet extensions (at least one 6in, more are helpful). 5inch Wheel puller (for main shaft pulley). (Some models may need a special spanner tool to adjust the timing belt tensioner) Parts: 2 gal of anti-freeze mixed with distilled water. All three V-belts. (Alt, A/C, P/S) $32.95 New water pump top. $91.91 New gasket for WP. $9.13 New timing belt. $26.13.


Procedure:

Remove battery cable (either power (+) or ground (-)) remove alternator remove A/C remove power steering pump .Remove water pump pulleys remove main shaft pulleys remove timing belt covers remove A/C mounting hardware remove timing belt (don't turn any of the wheels its connected to) replace timing belt adjust belt tension remove water pump face put on new gasket and new part.

Leave pulleys off. replace bottom timing belt cover, replace crank shaft pulley, replace steering pump, replace A/C, put small belt on A/C (hang loose) put large belt around A/C, Main and water pump pulley. put middle size belt on Main water pump and power steering pump reattach bolts for the steering pump pulleys put alternator back on adjust all belts. connect battery

Problem areas:
Main pulley: There are 4 6mm hex head bolts. These must be removed. The main 19mm hex head can be used to turn the engine it the timing belt slips and you have to readjust the timing.

Putting on new belts: This can be a real pain if you get VW belts. The adjustments won't give enough to put the belts over the edge so the easy way is to remove the pulley on the water pump. Then its real easy.

Timing: If you turn the wheels that the timing belt goes on you will have to reset the timing. Mark the timing points with something like whiteout so its easy to see. The timing mark on the toothed gears are small dots. The timing mark for the crankshaft is a small cut on the outer pulley. When its aligned with the intermediate wheel timing mark (there is an arrow on the cover as a hint) should intersect as viewed from the right wheel well. The camshaft timing mark should line up with the top of the engine near the front.

Power steering pump: It is held on with lots of bolts. One is in a channel that is hard to see but can be found with a 6" extension. If you look at the pump you will see three bolts that go into the housing. This should give you an idea where the forth is.

disconnect the negative battery cable
Disconnect wiring harness and rubber tube to motor. Then remove the 3 screws and remove motor and cage
Use a vice grips to put on cage axle and remove the cage and axle and place on new motor and reinstall

Engines backfire when timing has slipped. You might need a new timing belt. \

Timing belt goes from Crankshaft on bottom of engine to Camshaft on top of engine. Both have to be synchronized to the correct timing.

Check repair manual or internet for correct timing. You'll probably have to find top dead center on first piston.

the air conditioning compressor is driven by the crank and that drives tha alternator. you have to take off all the belts in order to change the alternator belt.

how do you set the timing belt

Need a fuel distribution box for a 1988 vw cabriolet "Karman" Gas motor.