[Vwdiesel] changing the timing belt

[MLightner]

Does this sound right, or at least normal?  after replacing the water 
pump and the intermediate shaft seal I proceeded to replace the timing belt.

  I got the camshaft, crankshaft and IP pulleys all in their respective 
TDC positions.  I didn't want to take the cam pulley loose, so I ended 
up slipping the belt up onto the IP pulley last. Though the tensioner 
was set for minimum tension, it was difficult to do but I don't think I 
damaged the belt any.  Once I adjusted the tensioner though things 
shifted just a bit.

Now with the crank at TDC the slot at the back of the camshaft isn't 
quite parallel to the head - it looks to be a hair advanced, maybe 2 or 
3 degrees.  Also, the IP is a hair advanced - more like half a tooth's 
worth, as it seemed I could either have put the belt on where it was 
half a tooth retarded or half a tooth advanced, no in between.  How 
close do I need to have these set for the engine to be able to operate 
reliably, or should I say optimally?  Should I take the cam-sprocket 
lose and realign?  I haven't run it any yet, other than to turn it over 
by hand to see if things shift any more (it didn't).

One other question:  The pully on the intermediate shaft is not a tight 
fit on the shaft, it moves maybe a degree either way before the key 
stops it.  I tightened the bolt down to about 70 ft-lbs.  Also, is it 
normal to be able to slip this pulley around against the T-belt after 
the tension is set on the T-belt?

As always, thanks for any input.

Mike in NC