I took my cam chain tensioner off because it was making the disesel ticking sound. Well I had to end up putting the same tensioner back on because the one I had wasn't the right part. But I removed the intake cam and didn't touch the exhaust cam. I reinstalled everything and the cams line up which seems perfectly to me. The car just cranks when I try and start it. No signs of any kind of start such as popping, backfire, chocking etc. I have no idea what the problem can be. Didnt check if it has compression yet but I will soon. Any ideas? Car is 1998 AEB 1.8t. Here is a picture of how the cams line up.

 

Did you count the chain rollers between the marks, before and after, to make sure they're the same? I have a 2.8, but I think it's supposed to be 16(?) rollers between marks on your motor.

 

Is it possible you disconnected the cam position sensor and didn't reconnect it (or maybe it's not plugged in all the way)?

 

Cam sensor was disconnected when I was changing the tensioner but it is on and plugged in all the way now.

 

If the sensor is connected, and you've re-verified that there are 16 links between the indicators by pulling the VC back off, then just keep cranking and it'll eventually start. You need to check though to be sure there are 16 rollers though - you can set it up that way and end up with it off a tooth after it spins over.

 

Thanks Devil, Ill double check there are 16 links. How long do you think I would need to crank it for? I cranked it for about 15-20 seconds and nothing. I have to check to make sure the spark plugs arent flooded too.

 

It's 16 links including the ones lined up on the arrows. As for cranking, it depends on how much washdown you have - we had one that took a whole bunch of 5-6 second attempts over a 20 minute period. It's hard to say how long, but it could be quick or could take awhile. Just be sure also that vacuum lines are cam sensor are hooked up like the other guys were saying.

 

I only count 14 there, but pics can be deceiving.

 

I counted 14 also , i think the cam timing is off a bit.

 

How can it be 2 links off..the tdc marks on the cams are very close. So if the cam was off by only a tooth could it cause it to only be 14 links?