RAM56

I have new belt, tensioner, belt, water pump ect. installed. Reference marks on cam sprocket and crank sprocket (made with sharpie before disassembly) look good.

Now I'm rotating crank by hand to confirm timing before buttoning everything back up, #1 plug still out with a long extension inn to confirm tdc.

Here's the thing that concerns me.
at 2 points during the cycle there is a slight pop sound from the #1 spark plug hole accompanied by a slight jerk. So now I'm second guessing myself. Is this just the valves working and change in compression or am I getting slight interference?

turbo510

That statement worries me. The engine already has permanent timing marks for the cam sprocket and crank pulley.

RAM56

yes I know. Just a bit hard to see so I used silver sharpie to
highlight them.

turbo510

I'd probably remove the other plugs so there is no compression. Also, depending on the cam lobes positions, whenever going past center (valves fully open) the spring forces will give a push on the cam. This might cause a click of chain slack for instance, but from #1 cylinder it should be quiet. I guess you could pull the valve cover to verify what's happening.

RAM56

will do, thanks.

lyleswk

My vague memory from doing 2 of these on the 1.8t is a slight popping noise when you turn it by hand. Assume you got it sorted...

RAM56

yes, thanks

RAM56

All done. road tested and buttoned back up. Toughest part of this job was getting the bumper back on and properly lined up.

NS_Audi

How long did the whole job take you from start to finish?

lyleswk

I'm of relatively advanced ability, but am also very deliberate. It took me better part of a day or about 4 to 6 hours. Most of it is about locating the connecting bolts which aren't easy to find even with a guide.