ignition timing HELP!!!

right this is driving me up the f***ing wall
i have a 1.4 multi point injection mk3 golf, it has had a igniting timing fault since i have bought it.
the dizzy is turned right round to the stop and it sorta runs ok but if i put it anywere were it is ment to be it runs like a bag of s**t.
so i thort i would change the dizzy today (as i have had the same problem with a polo) and it has the same problem, so i then plugged the giagnostic mechane in and found there was a coolant sensor code in there so i changed the sensor. but guess what still no change. i have searched for air leaks but nope there isnt any so i am now starting to run out of ideas is there anyone out there who can help me.
thanks ben

is the cam belt a couple of teeth out?

The cam belt timing is spot on.

Right so before I open my big mouth let me just check a couple of things with you first.
It's a 1.4 yes ?
So I guess the dizzy is on the end of the head yes ?
It's been like it since you got it and it runs pooh.
Are you very sure the timings spot on and how can YOU tell it is ?
What checks have you done to know this ?

Answer the above questions and I can prob help

guy wrote:

Right so before I open my big mouth let me just check a couple of things with you first.
It's a 1.4 yes ?
So I guess the dizzy is on the end of the head yes ?
It's been like it since you got it and it runs pooh.
Are you very sure the timings spot on and how can YOU tell it is ?
What checks have you done to know this ?

Answer the above questions and I can prob help

1.4, yes
dizzy on the end of the head, yes
the timing spot on, yes i checked all the timing marks and they line up perfect. but the next plan is to check the timing from the fly wheel because i want to check someone hasnt put the wrong pulley on somewere along the line (timing marks in dif places) so if i time it up from the flywheel and not the crank then the crank may show its a tooth or so out and if not i will check that the cam pulley isnt wrong by taking the rocker cover off and making sure the rockers are in the right place as the timing marks.

Right.

It's a tooth out.

I know you are going to shout and hollar but it's got no choice with the only exception being 180 out either at the crank or dizzy.

If you want to bring it out to me at littleport I'll retime it according to the correct autodata timing marks. There are even marks on the dizzy so you can place it correctly first time, your rotor arm should point to cylinder 1 THEN you'll know the timings correct.

yer thats were i was heading next being a tooth out.
thanks for the offer but i work at a garage so ill do it here
ill let you know how i get on and thanks for the advice

When I get home I'll post the timing diagram In " how to "so you can reference it.
Move the cambelt to the correct markings.
There is a mark on the dizzy which indicates where the rotor arm points to.
Rotate the dizzy so this mark is in line with the centre of the rotor.
Turn it over by hand a couple of times(easier with the plugs out)
while your cambelt is off set the timing marks as per diagram and check the position of cylinder 1 by poking something long and thin in the spark plug hole, move the crank to check its at tdc and you have the correct mark.

I don't mean to belittle you but, " I work at a garage" does not mean you can diagnose and fix cars.
I have three taxis this doesn't mean I know how to drive or i know where I'm going.
Getting it 180 out is easy, there are sometimes more than one easy to see marks on the crank.
I've got it wrong before and I have been repairing these engines for twenty five years.

Sometimes these engines show up with what appears to be a timing issue when it's actually the injector starting to fail this also applies to the fuel pump too.

I hope you get your issue cured soon.
If you still can't cure it please ask again.

lol well im an aprentice so im getting there. i was just abit stuck for ideas as i dont really know much about what goes wrong with these engines. but you have been a great help and if anything doesnt go as planned i will be in touch

timing belt marks picture here..........

https://fendubbers.forummotion.com/how-to-section-f31/timing-belt-marks-for-mk3-14-t7715.htm#69652

And just as a point of note you say its multi point injection, hows that work then ? I always thought they were single point.

Yer I thort they were single point. But they did a multi point to.
There just ain't many about. Thanks

I've seen them with multi point buts it's been taken from a polo 1300 gt.

Auto data doesnt list them, doesnt mean they didnt do them just means I aint seen them.

Yer I know I was saprised when I had a look under the bonnet because I've never seen one either