[Vwdiesel] Signs of worn cam syndrome

[William J Toensing]

Brian Belman, did you replace your timming belt tensioner? Can't speak from experience with a TDI but have some experience with my 16 valve OHC Ford Focus which has a cam belt & is an interference engine. I had the TB replaced at 80,000 miles. At that time, the TB still looked good BUT found the TB tensioner was on its last legs. I think the TDI has a similar layout. Several years ago, I saw a Focus for sale, 100,000 & a NEW engine. Called seller & found out, when TB was replaced, the TB trensioner was NOT replaced, seized about 7000 miles later braking the TB & trashing the engine. 
Moral: replace the TB & other belt tensioner anytime you replace a TB. My guess is that TDI VWs are similar to IDI VW diesels & Focus gassers.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA