[Vwdiesel] timing tension

[Kneale Brownson]

When I replaced the timing belt on our Audi V8, Tony, I couldn't get both camshaft lock plates on at once, so I took off the covers and found that the timing dots were way off facing eachother while the rest of the engine was at TDC.  When I got everything buttoned back together, the engine ran  smoother than before I started on it and now gets better fuel mileage.  Records showed the PO had had the first timing belt replacement done at an independent import shop.  I'm guessing they didn't have the locking plates and just used some "trick" to keep the cams located "in the neighborhood" of correct timing.   Of course, that also means they didn't replace the oil seals for the camshafts either.  

Tony and Lillie <tonyandlillie1 at earthlink.net> wrote:  This is an interesting discussion. Since I work at a shop, and we have all 
the tools, sometimes a little old fashioned inginuity is often missed. One 
thing not mentioned, to remove the belt you do have to release the 
tensioner. It has a lip on both sides that acts as a guide for the belt. 
This will hold the belt in place, and will not allow you to just slide it 
off without getting it out of the way.

As for loosening and rechecking the cam and diesel pump timing, there are a 
couple of points to make. Each belt is slightly different than the next one, 
but it is ever so slight. This may affect the timing slightly, I'd be more 
concerned about the pump than the cam. But, I doubt it is very significant. 
In fact, the amount your belt stretches over it's life will affect the 
timing more than this. And, I certainly don't reste mine during the life of 
the belt. Don't recall VW or Audi recommending this either. Also, the Audi 
V8 Quattro (DOHC) has a similar design on the camshafts. I don't loosen them 
either, other than when doing the cam seals. I have never had a problem 
there, either.

As for the timing covers, they aren't on mine, so I suppose I could really 
do the job quickly!

Tony Hoffman