Ken,
Is the cam gear the proper size for your case? As I under stand it there
exsists a plus and minus size. With the case still split and cam installed;
turn the crank. If the cam lifts out the gear is too big.
Ken Lewis
http://neksiwel.20m.com/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Winsor" <kwinsor@STNY.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 4:12 PM
Subject: [VANAGON] Setting Timing Gear

I'm methodically getting ready to reassemble my 2.1 ('88 Westy).  Thanks to
those that have given me advice and support already.  Here's my latest
issue.

I want to install the timing gear, along with the crank, and cam before I
assemble the case halves.  I'm trying to minimize future problems, like
loosing those two washer / bushings down in the case while installing the
gear when the case is back together.

So I have the left side case secured, and I installed the crank, cam (yep ..
aligned the "dots") and slipped the pulley on.  Lined up the pulley mark
with the case split to get #1 at TDC, and then used the distributor to
install the gear to get the rotor pointing right at the #1 notch, and I
think I'm all set.  But is this the compression or exhaust cycle?

So I'm staring at the cam lobes to try and figure out if they can tell me
which cycle I'm on, but I thought I would ask if anyone has advice?

Also, I ordered the case sealant from VW ($47 .. wow!) but didn't know if
that yellow nut sealant that comes with my gasket kit can be used on the
case bolts?  Does it stand up to oil?

Thanks,

Ken