The timing isn't meaured in degrees, and theres nothing to trip the light with since there are no plug wires. You aren't going to find a more accurate way to set the timing than with the dial gauge. You are measuring it at the pump where its happening. Even on the newer diesels like the TDI, timing is done through the cars pcm with vag-com, but you are still measuring the timing in mm of pump stroke.
Jason
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