850 tdi fuel pump timing range

[john123456]

Hi just a very quick question for a change does anybody know the range of the diesel fuel pump timing before it will throw up fault codes?

When I first got my car it was -16° out and had a fault code i changed the belts and got it lower but never really got it to zero. Currently its running just around +3° and occasionally it will throw up a fault code.

I've heard its best to run it positive for performance so I want to keep it higher but just not so high that it throws the engine light on

[Martin Cox]

Based on my own experience whilst setting the timing on my V70 Tdi, I think you've about 3 to 4 degrees either side of zero before engine management light comes on.

Martin

[john123456]

Thank you martin. my timing had moved a bit since I changed the belts. It had gone up 2 degrees so I've set it again at about +1° and seems to have stopped the engine light issue which is good news.

[Martin Cox]

If the timing is changing and continues to change, it is worth asking why? Particularly if it's above and beyond what might be expected from new belts settling in.

Martin

[john123456]

Yes it certainly is. I have purchased all new litens tensioners to replace the gates ones I put on when I did the belts.
I've heard a lot of people having trouble with tensioners so going to replace them for peace of mind.

[john123456]

I found the cause of the issue.

My cambelt tensioner spring had snapped and taken out the little pin that holds it in position.

Luckily I caught it before the cambelt lost tension completely.

[Martin Cox]

Well done. A timely discovery which might otherwise have had unpleasant consequences.

Martin