On your pulley there will be essentially two marks. One is a small rounded
depression which is TDC. The mark to left of it (about 8mm) is a "v" notch
which is 5 degrees AFTER TDC.
 The "v" notch is aligned with the crackcase half line (where the case
halves meet up.
 Be sure to disconnect the Idle Stabilizer and reconnect the plugs to
properly set the timing (at idle of course). When the timing is set,
reconnect the Idle Stabilizer.
 More info:
 http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm#V8384
 The plastic (or metal) gauge you refer to is used on the aircooled Type 4
style engine used in 72-79 Type 2 and 80-83 Vanagons. Not used on the
Wasserboxer.
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
**********************************

 On 11/11/05, Paul Wyand <miatapaul@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> In trying to do a tune up on my 1984 Vanagon that is having terrible
> Vanagon
> Syndrome issues I was going to set the timing, but I find the notch on the
> pulley, but no marks to line it up to. I read on one site that there
> should
> be a plastic or metal (depending on year) gauge that showed where your
> timing is set. I have set timing on many cars before, but this has me
> stumped. I was wondering if this is something that might have come off of
> my
> engine and if so can it be replaced, as in are the parts available?
>