Timing out of sync (help)

[iainst26]

Car in question is a 2000(x) 2.5tdi AKN engine, today I noticed the car seemed to be lacking power and idling mega rough so brought it home and plugged vagcom in, this was the first fault found:

Address 01: Engine Labels: 059-907-401-AKE.clb
Part No: 8D1 907 401
Component: 2.5l/4VTEDC 0000AG D02
Coding: 02014
Shop #: WSC 06435
VCID: E2C0DEBA6EE22E08D71

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 00014
Component: C150_1.V5A17737
00014 C150_1.V5A17737

1 Fault Found:
00550 - Start of Injection Regulation
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Readiness: N/A

Cleared everything and rescanned this time although still 00550 it read slightly different:


Address 01: Engine Labels: 059-907-401-AKE.clb
Control Module Part Number: 8D1 907 401
Component and/or Version: 2.5l/4VTEDC 0000AG D02
Software Coding: 02014
Work Shop Code: WSC 06435
Additional Info: 00014 C150_1.V5A17737
VCID: E2C0DEBA6EE22E08D71
1 Fault Found:

00550 - Start of Injection Regulation
17-10 - Control Difference - Intermittent

Readiness: N/A

Anyway after some googling etc a few different theories emerged from water/air/petrol in the diesel to timing being out I found some instructions on how to check the timing through VCDS, followed everything and the response was something along the lines of 'Timing out of sync (too far advanced)' <please note this isnt quoted directly but as its 11:30 I darent run the tests again til tomorrow as its chapping a bit.
Anyone encountered anything similar? and if so what was the outcome, if required I'll do the same tomorrow and print exactly as it says, its been suggested perhaps a stretched belt but not wanting to start guessing.
Thanks in advance.
Iain.

[PaulF2.5TDi]

If you have full VCDS, run the timing graph in Basic Settings.
The pump will move the advance solenoid fully advanced, and 'off' every 10 seconds or so. You will hear the engine change sound to a clattery 'bark'. If you tick the box marked 'cloud', you will get x's when the engine is on the correct cycle. The x's should be along the middle line, or at least between the two outer lines.
Adjust the pump by first lining up the crankshaft holes, then checking you are 'about' correct with the pump holes, then adjust the pump by loosening the three bolts on the camshaft and moving the pulley a tiny bit. Small adjustments have a large effect. I made a line on the belt in line with the cambelt cover half still fitted to give me an idea of how far I have moved it.
However....
With those codes, there is every chance the advance solenoid is buggered/sticking, in which case you need to send the pump away for repair. You will know if this is the case if there is little difference to the engine sound when you try the timing checker.

ELSAWin has the full set of figures for the advance and retard cycle, I don't have them to hand at the moment.