Non starter- for ages now- Help please

Afternoon gents and any ladies,

Long time viewer, first time poster. So thanks to all of you for the help so far.

I have an '86 110 2.5 na. Basically about 18 months ago I put petrol in it and it broke of course. Slightly bent push rods and that seemed to be all the damage I could find. Checked timing belt and changed it myself, however, first time I've ever changed one. Also changed fuel filter.

I haven't looked at it for a while but I was trying to prime the fuel system and it wouldn't bleed so that the fuel was coming out the joint bubble free. When turning over it just won't fire. I checked fuel comes out injectors and glow plugs heat nicely all round.

My thoughts are either the fuel still isn't primed properly (because I was going at it for like 30mins) or I've simply mucked the timing up.

Any thoughts on my issue would be greatly appreciated?

Basically just want it running so I can get it to the workshop on it's own steam to start a tdi conversion anyway.

Thanks in advance, Adam

Sound like you didn't put the timing belt on with everything pre-positioned.

I would be inclined to check that first.

Hope this helps.

if you are going to change the engine, try giving it a squirt of easy start, if you dont have that to hand try any aerosol as the propellent in it will be flammable, (I have started old diesel cars that have stood for years this way its a trick a old mechanic told me) also make sure you have a good battery to spin it over fast enough. if that dont work push it in the workshop lol

Cheers chaps,

I think I will get someone who actually CAN do timing to have a look at that first. Then I'll do the old starter trick. I have heard of it before- but wanted to keep the engine before and knowing it can damage it put me off...but now I don't care.

Thanks a lot

Good news- I gave her to a grown up and the timing was just a few degrees out. So I didn't do too bad. A couple of sticking valves needed adjusting also.

After 2 years sat- it now runs perfectly I am told. I can finally get it to my house to start the work after reading on here for what seems like half my life!

Pleased to hear that you've got it sorted.

Thanks for letting us know.