Hello, on a vanagon 1.9 or 2.1 flat four engine, the cylinder numbers are
as follows: With the rear hatch open and  you facing the engine, the #1
cylinder is closeset to the front of the van, and on the right.#2 is on the
same bank of cylinders , but closest to the rear.#3 is on the left hand
bank and furthurest to the front.Same w/ the beetle engine.   As for an
inline 4 cyl., I think the fireing order for all(balance necesatates) is 1-
4-2-3.These numbers are usually cast into the block somewhere seeable.
If you need to time an engine ,replace a distributor,or follow cycle
sequences,take out the number 1 spark plug and loosen all the others(for
ease of engine rotation).Rotate engine slowley by hand(not w/ the starter
moter) w/ your thumb on the hole for the spark plug. You will feel the air
being compressed when you are on the compression stroke.If you are not
sure, go through the sequence by rotating the moter many times till you get
to commpression again or back up the moter and try again(to feel
compression).When you are sure that what you are feeling is a compression
stroke,continue to turn the mo-mo till compression ceases.Sometimes I stick
a screwdriver into the cylinder and touch  the top of the piston and watch
as the screwdriver is pushed back out of the cylinder.When this stops, you
also have TDC.This works muy bueno, and usually hits the mark right on the
money.Now stick your distributor body into the hole  (about like is was
before you got into this mess), while you place the rotor towards the
cylinder that is now firing(#1).Tighten down any hold down bolts, and your
good to go. A timing light will now give you the fine tuning that you need.
Check the crankshaft pulley.You will probably see a notch filed into the
pully near a pointer.On some cars , a plug must be removed that is near the
flywheel ,and you will see a mark here.Line the pulley up manually with the
pointer and you will have TDC on #1 cylinder,as you were really close .Now
chalk a mark on the pulley that is 180 degrees around from the filed
groove.When you continue to turn the engine, 180 degrees will be the top or
end of the next stroke(on cyl #1 this would be the power stroke). It takes
2 (two) revolutions of the engine for all cylinders to complete a cycle.2
(two) revolutions for that #1 cylinder to come up to TDC compression
again.If you have an inline 4, you know that the next cylinder to fire ,
(4),is on the start of its' comperssion stroke.Cylinder 2 is on the start
of its intake stroke,and 3 is on the start of its'exhaust stroke.Dats it.