1982 Vw Rabbit, Replaced fuel pump and relined up cam timing marks and cannot get it to start

is the distributor oriented correctly? you've got a "silent" cam that works the distributor...really should line it up, firing on the one the camshafts on the "ignite" point and the crankshaft on TDC~ got to make sure it's right...perhaps the distributor vacuum advance is stuck in the full on position...did you golf tee it?~

honestly sounds off by one tooth~

i have it all in the proper place

Yes and check the timing mark on the flywheel, this locatedon the transmission, there is a plastic plug, remove it, on the side is a pointer, slowly turn the crank you should see a ZERO--> and then a marker, this I believe is zero degrees. Turn crank align mark on zero, set your distributor rotor on the mark on the distributor body, then time valves: on the inside of the camshaft sprocket is a dot, that times the #1 valve, turn that even with top of Cylinder head, carefully out the timing belt on crankshaft, intermediate shaft(for distributor) Tilt belt then try to get it fit onto camshaft sprocket, maybe on the outer edge of intermediate shaft, extra leeway to be able to get the belt to tightly fit onto camshaft, blue air and hopefully patience, keep trying it's not easy. After that check you're timing mark on the flywheel, has to be right on zero, if it's not try again, if the top dead center timing is good check the distributor timing mark, and camshaft valve timing mark, if all is good then tension the belt by turning easily 90 degrees then tighten, recheck tension, then turn engine one revolution, realign timing marks, make sure it's all in time, you're done. BTW years ago I bought a Robert Bentley Service Manual is where I learned part of their timing procedure, but they don't mention the flywheel timing mark, but that has always worked. The Diesel timing belts on Rabs are easier the Camshaft is tapered, but the gas ones are a real challenge, you'll get it. Don't give up I have been repairing my VW's since the late 80's and learned a lot from automotive repair books, abd forums later.

Does it backfire or not fire at all? You're wrong if it's off by one tooth the Engine will backfire or nothing happens, timing is very crucia. Invest in a Robert Bentley manual, Parts Place INC in the US sells this manual, it's expensive but has more info than Chilton or other manuals. You can purchase this manual at Parts Place, INC. U.S.A. www.partsplaceinc.com Good luck

BTW in the Bentley Manual is a test for fuel pump These test points are different with most years, there are tables that give the correct jumper locations. NOTE: if you do not follow these locations I guarantee you will fry your Fuel pump relay circuit or worse, be very sure you check your vehicle's manufacturing date those dates are listed for whichever jumper should be shorted. They recommend a fuse inline to protect the circuit. This tests to see if the fuel pump is running you will hear it humming, if there's a clunk the pump is locked up or gummed up, if nothing it's really shot. This doesn't assure though the pump can reach the correct pressure, but that takes a expensive guage. The Control Pressure Regulator if faulty will cause an overlean mixture, the engine could run poorly or won't even start. Parts Place still stocks this part. Control Pressure Regulator is the Box mounted on the Engine block, follow the fuel lines from the Fuel Distributor two of those will locate this part. Sounds like timing though.