destructiv dave

Looks like Gareth's old car from the dealer sticker in the rear window.

In both those links, the reference to BTDC is in respect of ignition timing, not the static timing.

Hi Sam, Do you have any links to these other sources that say to set up the static timing to BTDC? Would be interested to view. From my experience, the timing concept is the same as that used on every engine (going out on a limb, and may be disproved by some strange Eastern Bloc machinery), be it air-cooled boxer engine, Chevvy V8 etc. Static timing has nothing to do with the car being able to start - it simply ensures that the top and bottom half of the engine are in the same stage of the combustion cycle. On an interference engine (like the 16v) severe damage can be done if the marks are not aligned. Once you have the belt on with all pulleys at TDC, then you can move onto getting the car started and timed. You say it won't start now. I'm assuming it ran before you changed the timing belt. Did you touch anything like the position of the dizzy? Are the plugs going to the correct spark plug? David

Sam, Set the static timing up to TDC as set out in the link provided by Wullie. The BTDC is the dynamic timing and is controlled by moving the distributor. You will need a timing light for this. Don't change the static timing to BTDC. Hope this makes sense. David

I believe the VW wiring loom tape is made by a company called Tesa. You can buy it on eBay and it's cheaper than from VW.

Looks really smart. Sorry if being dense, but what do you mean by "will not fit...". Do you mean it won't go on pointing the right way? Also, if you don't mind me asking, how much for each cap? Dave

Rotate the crank 180degrees and try again.

Do you have any of the ABS loom off the later car left? I'm looking for the loom part that goes through the bulkhead from the engine side and enters the drivers side under dash area between the heater box and pedals. Mine is cut so not sure where this loom goes to.

Red L reg 16v on the Old Kent Road approaching Elephant & Castle. Looked like a well used example with London battle scars. Also saw a Dark Blue K reg 16v a few weeks back on a road near Parson's Green tube station. Was sporting anti pot-hole/speed bump original ride height and G60 alloys.

Bryan - in this weather, surely you don't need the MFA to tell you it's cold. For me the frozen puddle in the passenger footwell tells me what I need.

Not sure which is best of those three, but have never heard anything bad about Quaife. Also, TSR may be doing 10% off, with more available if a group buy takes off on ClubGTI: http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?188326-Quaife-differentials-10-discount&p=2247125#post2247125

Trying to rack my brains on this, so hopefully the advice I give is correct as it's a long time since I have dealt with such an early car. If your speedo is cable fed and has stopped working, it's most likely the gear drive on the gearbox end having come loose. As you look at the gearbox you should see a grey/black cable which should originate from the driver's side (possibly from the scuttle or next to the brake master cylinder) attached normally with one M10 bolt (again from memory). Just undo and carefully pull out to check the plastic gear is still on the end. If it's ok that end, then it may have come out the back of the clocks themselves.

I know what you mean. Sometimes when I feel very threatened due to their inattentive driving putting me into very comprimising positions (no matter how defensively I am riding) I get the urge to smash their wing mirror's off. This quickly recedes when I remind myself that with no mirrors they will have no chance of knowing what is around their metal box so my short term happiness would just place other two wheeled riders at increased risk. Driving standards driving into SE London are pretty **** poor, but if I'm honest no groups are free from blame: cars, motorbikes, buses, trucks, cycles and pedestrians equally have a contingent of c***s creating misery for other road users. (rant over)

Pretty sure that it's Riley's from the forum. He's done load to it and has a member's gallery thread.

I had some residue duck tape on a bike and tar & bug remover did a good job of getting rid. Did require some elbow grease, but overall easier than I thought it would be. Not sure if glue from tints would be "stickier".

1.3 and 18's (plus all the tat). Not sure it even gets to 60, let alone in the 15.7 seconds quoted. Dreadful car.

Firstly, don''t be put off by the aftermarket alloys as you can always change them over relatively cheaply. It's hard to gauge whether it's worth a punt from the pictures but the leather seats look in good nick considering the mileage. Mechanically it's the same engine and front end as a Mk2 Golf so that mitigates some risk, but don't lose sight of the fact it is over 20 years old with high miles so could be a money pit in the short term as things need changing.

Matt - I'm in for one please.

Nice one. Another local.

Looks like Mk2 Golf.

Apparently rice is just as good (not sure if basmati or long grain gives better performance) and likewise, oven to dry out the moisture. A bit cheaper, but possibly not as stylish.

Good work so far on the tear down. Water may also be from the door membranes so worth checking, especially if you end up in the general area when renewing any speaker wiring. Dim dip resistor needs to be disconnected for uprated wiring so that may be the reason that isn't plugged in. Also, good call on the immobiliser if you do take it out. Some cars are now suffering from alarm/immobilser install on top of install (and even on top again in some cases) and it's quite satisfying taking it back knowing that you won't be stranded due to electrical gremlins. Good luck with progress.

Yep. Heater matrix pipe. Most likely is the same hose as that on a Mk2 Golf 8v.

Mmm. Me like. Me no like lack of photos though and as Kevin says, you've made that sound a lot easier than it is. I like you have gone down the old school route and have turbo'd my 9A using S2 parts. Also, what engine management are you using?

Not something I've ever come across before but did you call him a mug or something as it seems he had it in for you. Did he pull you for the damage to the car then?