All (Except Vanagon)
- Warm engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan should cycle at least once). Remove the 27 mm plastic plug from timing check hole on transaxle bellhousing (if equipped).
- With ignition off, connect a tachometer and timing light to vehicle. Start engine and briefly raise engine speed above 3000 RPM a few times, then allow engine to idle normally. With distributor vacuum hoses connected, timing mark on flywheel should appear adjacent to pointer in hole.
- If an adjustment is needed, turn ignition off and loosen distributor hold-down bolt just enough to move distributor by hand. Start engine and allow to idle. Turn distributor until timing mark is aligned with pointer in bellhousing. Stop engine and tighten hold down bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (24 Nm.). Readjust if necessary and install plastic plug if removed.
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.