Timing mark advice (help needed please)

[zeroasylum]

MK4 gold 2001 1.6L AVU Engine code

Hi all,

Car has not being running right and VCDS is registering a misfire on cylinders 2 and 3 (not registering a code for it just seeing it in the measuring blocks). I was getting misfires on all 4 random ones but a full service and new coil pack , plugs and leads fixed this. But still getting a puff of black smoke on occasion not always when I accelerate from a stop. I am also not getting this error code

16726 - Camshaft Position Sensor (G40): Signal too Low
P0342 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

Now before I change the sensor as it involves taking the cam gear off could someone tell me if my timing is right from these photos of the top mark and the mark in the little window down in the engine as I am concerned the belt may have jumped. (see links below for images). Its hard to see the o mark with the line in the window but its there.

Is there anyway to change the sensor without removing the cam gear. I am concerned the timing will go out when I remove the gear as I am unsure how to stop the cam from moving. Can I lock the gear with a lock pin to keep it in place?



Thanks

Zeroasylum

[Umai Naa!!]

There's a notch in the crank pulley that lines up with an indentation on the lower belt cover as well.

I don't use the flywheel marks as they can be a bit inconsistent.