hi and thanks for reading my thread. i am currently finding problems timing up my vm 2.5 crd diesel engine, i had head gasket failure so a full top end strip down was required. i have used the locking pins to lock both camshafts, i am confused about the locking pin for the crankshaft though. i have an access point opposite the alternater, the instructions however say the locating port is behind the starter motor, i have turned the engine over by hand extremely carefully after usng the locking point for the crankshaft opposite the alernator, it wont start indeed it is struggling to turn over under compression load. its almost like its 90 or 180 degees out, any ideas greatfully recieved. thanks Dave.

 

did you ever fix this? My response is a bit late ... so more useful for anyone making the change in the future or now.

I am changing the timing belt and water pump right now (2002/12 2.5 CRD). The flywheel locking pin goes in between the starter and the engine body... you can't see it but you can feel it. The flywheel has many holes not just one... I think any one hole that comes up will do so long as the crank is at 3 o'clock position.