Edd W

One further odd thing to check - cam belt condition and timing - if the belt has jumped a couple of teeth it would probably run but strangely as it will create a strange pulse in the inlet tract. It may cause fuelling issues due to the maf getting strange, pulsed air movement.

2.7Lturbo

have you ever worked on a 1.8t!? a "couple" teeth jumped on the belt would cause interference BIG TIME.

Edd W

I would have thought it would probably be Ok at that but maybe not. I doubt the timing is that 'wild' on a 180 bhp 1.8 turbo as it hardly cutting edge.

2.7Lturbo

wild? may not be a beast hp wise, but those germans push these little 4 bangers to the limit, 1 tooth is max, any more and you risk hitting the pistons. now its not 100 percent sure. some have gotten lucky, but never multiple times starting the car several teeth off. hell i knew a guy that bent the valves HAND cranking the engine !