[Vwdiesel] timing tension

[Tony and Lillie]

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



----- Original Message -----
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] timing tension


> Of course !
>
> I dont even remove the valve cover. or slack the cam bolt.
>
> The purists try to suggest that the timing should be re-checked, but I've
> never seen the logic in that. The new belt has the same number of teeth as
> the old one.
> If no one frigged witth the timing,it should be exactly the same.
>
> I DO make a mark on the plate behind the cam sprocket to register its
> position, in case it should shift, (before removing the old belt) but none
> have yet, and I've done several this way.
>
> Also, I've found I can get the new belt on to the crank sprocket without
> removing the water pump pulley, , just the crank pulley (4 allen bolts)
> I can swing the lower belt guard far enough to change the belt, without
> having to remove it completely.
>
> Takes about 15 minutes in the driveway , working thru the wheel well, then
> drive away.
>
> Sandy