Timing Belt Replacement: Engine Settings Explained

Hello everyone,

I'm basically a newbie here in the forum, and I have a newbie question.
Okay, first of all, I used the search function, but I couldn't find any helpful answers to my questions.

the hardware:
Volkswagen Golf 3 TDI, 90 horsepower.
Manufactured in 1994.
Mileage > 250,000 km
Engine designation: 1Z.

the problem:

'After the timing belt replacement, I adjusted the engine timing exactly according to the official engine timing instructions from the Volkswagen group (mechanical), and since then, the engine simply hasn't been running correctly. It has lost power, and it's running lean at higher RPMs (> 3000 RPM). The top speed is now a maximum of 175 km/h (with a lot of effort), compared to 190 km/h previously (all figures are based on the speedometer).'
A diagnostic scan on the VW vehicle yielded no results. Additionally, replacing the mass airflow sensor (MAF) was also unsuccessful.

Conclusion: The engine has noticeably lost power after the timing belt replacement.

Okay, so I just got a second Golf.

Volkswagen Golf 3 TDI, 1.9L engine, 90 horsepower.
Year of manufacture: 1994.
Engine 1Z.
Mileage: 200,000 km

'This one runs smoothly and seems to have its full performance, while also being noticeably quieter.'
Therefore, I thought I would casually take a look at the mechanical settings of the camshaft, etc., to compare them with this official VW manual (as mentioned above).
However, I realized that the markings on the instructions did not correspond in any way with those on the clearly superior 'Laufen Golf' product...???

Could you perhaps share some of your experiences regarding engine settings in general, or specifically after replacing the timing belt?

Thank you in advance.
Greetings, Kalle.

If you've used the search function, you've probably read that the static adjustment of the ESP using a measuring gauge (I hope that's what you mean by your official instruction manual) only provides a statistical value. A more sensible and accurate approach would be a dynamic adjustment using, for example, a VAG-COM device.

On the other hand, it might not be the ESP setting. It could also be a faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF) or a lack of boost pressure. Do you have a turbocharger? Do you have any diagnostic capabilities? Please consider what I've said.

hi joergs,
Thank you for the quick response.

Unfortunately, I expressed myself somewhat awkwardly.
I meant that the camshaft timing, using the markings on the timing belt, etc., doesn't match the 'well-running' Golf at all. The markings are sometimes a few degrees different compared to the instructions.

'In the golf, I replaced the timing chain and camshaft, and adjusted the timing according to the 'official' instructions. However, as mentioned before, it ran much worse afterwards.'

Okay, I'm mainly concerned with the static settings of the camshaft, etc., and not with the dynamic fuel injection settings.

Okay, even though I'm not entirely sure I understand everything you've written, if the crankshaft was at the top dead center (TDC) position, the alignment tool was properly seated in the camshaft, and the ESP (electric spark plug) was correctly locked in place with a locking pin, and you didn't twist the crankshaft when lifting the timing chain, then everything should be fine. There's nothing else to adjust besides the ESP.

Based on my own experience, the crankshaft sometimes skips a tooth when the timing chain is being installed.
Does the engine start well? Does it produce excessive smoke when running at full load? In my opinion, this isn't a problem related to the timing belt replacement, as long as it was done properly and the points mentioned above were followed.

What about the diagnosis? It actually gives you a very clear picture of when your support program starts, and what LMM & Co. are saying.

If you want to be absolutely sure:

- kw to ot
- Insert the feeler gauge into the camshaft lobe and position the dial indicator.
- thorn in ESP wheel

If the pin fits and you have the same amount of material underneath on both sides of the adjustment scale, then it fits!

Deleted upon request.

hello joergs,

Okay, just like you described, I did exactly that. But the engine is just running really poorly. Oh, and I mentioned before that the MAF sensor was replaced...

Regarding the other car, is there an issue with the crankshaft or camshaft timing in relation to the top dead center (TDC)?
'It's completely out of sync – I mean, the camshaft isn't straight at those specific markings, it's rotated by a few degrees! And as I said, this engine runs much better and smoother now.'

Hi,

Okay, let's stay calm. Forget the comparison to another car. Just check the valve timing (as Jörg already mentioned) and the ESP settings (dynamic = running engine with VAG-COM) on the problem car. Incorrect pump settings (-> fuel injection start) can lead to some problems, which I know a thing or two about -> search function "Cold start problem on 1Z not solved *cry*". How did you set the fuel injection start?

@kalleblombquist
Okay, your descriptions are getting increasingly obscure. I'm not understanding them. So, let me have it again (and this is the last time).
- Check the valve timing as described.
-check the dynamically generated subsidy start date.
-check the ignition timing and boost pressure.

and most importantly, please post the values!

If you don't provide more specific information and only refer to your official guidelines, no one here knows exactly what you're trying to achieve. Moreover, in my opinion, there's a risk that you might have reversed the polarity when connecting the power supply! Please check that first.

@gustav

You are absolutely right! But I am very friendly and calm! Peace?

Quote:

@gustav You are absolutely right! But I am very friendly and calm! Peace?

I would like to join .

Thank you for your well-intentioned advice.

But I can already see that I have absolutely no idea about any of this. So, I'm leaving the fate of my car to my brother now.
He's a professional, and hopefully he'll be able to get the car running again.

Sorry for my vague questions...

Best regards, KAlle.

Deleted upon request.

Hello joergs and Rainer K.,

Regarding your comment:

'@gustav'

You are absolutely right! But I am very friendly and calm! Peace?

Agreed: Peace

very beautiful!!!!