Just put new cam followers in Inc a full service Inc belts. Starts and runs nicely. But is a little hesitant with the occasional 'cough' at part throttle or maintaining around 50mph. I have set timing 6degrees advanced. Using the lead no1 and the hole in top of the gearbox.

First of all, it isn't possible to re set the ignition timing without first putting the ECU into 'service mode' - you will find items on this Forum telling you how to do that.

Was the problem there before you carried out the work?

It might be worth checking the following:

Throttle body/inlet manifold and vacuum servo pipe for air leaks.

Spark plugs (even new ones can be faulty.

HT leads.

Distributor cap and rotor arm for cracks/damage (cracks may show up as 'pencil lines')

Clean throttle body.

Re check valve timing.

Regards.

I have just read about warming her up and pulling temp sender. Alot more complicated than a mk1 gti. It's a 1.4 8v aex engine btw. I brought the car running on three (told head gasket) but was knackered cam follower not opening exhaust valve on cylinder three. It runs 98% perfect. But I want that extra 2%! The crank case breather has a trace of 'mayo' but not enough to be alarmed. The rocker cover had a little in to. I have noticed occasionally on idle the timing will bounce so the flash of timing light doesn't allow me to see timing mark on the flywheel. The coil pack looks original.

The pulling the temp sensor is not the method to use on this engine!

Here' s the correct proceedure 6N AEX Engine Servicing ignition system.doc

Cheers just tried to do it again but now back fires on over rev. It seems to be using Alot of fuel. Will have a read of the pdf and try again

Will vagcom with obd2 cable work?

Ok upon further reading on the vast amounts of info on this site. I got it. The dancing is normal as ignition timing is map controlled. To get to the base settings need to lock it off using vids then set timing 6 degrees advanced as normal with timing light and turning dizzy. And here was me thinking Ahhh simple old engine!

Will vagcom with obd2 cable work?

You'll need a Vagcom/VCDS cable and I'm not sure if you'll need a full licenced copy to get the basic settings control as the unlicenced version has limited functions