are you jumping the timing connector?

 

I know this sounds too easy, but try putting a dab of paint or nail polish on the timing marks. When I was timing my a6 I couldn't see the marks with the timing light because the color was pretty much worn off. The only thing left were small notches in the pulley, which didn't show up at all when I pointed the timing light at them.

 

Mista bone, Im sure im on the right wire. I found that pic elswhere and used it to verify the firing order.

95redex, I have an ordinary timing light without the dial.

crx88si, Yes im jumping the connector with a paperclip.

Im positive the mechanical timing is correct. and when I put the timing light on the #4 cylinder I can time it correctly. So now im driving the car and it drives perfect, pulls up to redline. I'm still clueless why it doesnt show the marks upright on the #1 cylinder.

can somebody tell me what happens to there d16 when you connect a timing light to #4? Is your marks upright or facing down??