Tightning the belt, its all in the timming.

[bbell@csn.org (Bruce Bell)]

SNAP - #$%^&! Why did I procrastinate?

I was told so. Yes, I know better. I made sure the timming belt was replaced
on my son's GTI.  So why not on the Audi? Oh well, I did get good milage out
of it ~140K.

Just cruisin' down the road at 45 in 5th and the fire went out. At first I
thought I had just lost the spark, then, I suspected the fuel pump, then I
noticed the roter on the distributer didn't move when I cranked the engine.
I I'm just glad I didn't experience any ugly sounds. I had the car towed
home where I'm going to change the belt myself. 

I feel comfortable doing the work myself, but I have a couple of questions
for anyone who has been through this.

1) First, I want to make sure there isn't a bent valve. Is is sufficient to
rotate the cam 360 deg.? I really don't want to pull the head. 

2) Since the water pump has to be disturbed in order to adjust the new belt,
Is it prone to leaking afterward. i.e., Should I just play it safe and buy a
new H2O pump?

3) Bentley suggests using a couple of special tools.  One to lock the crank
against the engine mount, and the other is a "breaker bar" with which they
give torque specs.  Do I really need them?  Can I lock the engine in gear
with someone standing on the brakes? Would a pry bar in the ring gear work?
How about the breaker bar?  Can I just use a really big torque wrench when
tightening?

4) My cam seal has been leaking oil for some time.  Not enough to worry
about, but now is the time to replace it.  Again, Bentley shows a special
tool, - any tips? What if I replace the cam (Schrick 268) do I need the tool?

Whether or not I put the Schrick in is dependent on price but if I do, I
will post a review complete with before and after numbers through the RPM
range.  I'm not going overboard with a cam as I'm at 5300' and only have an
8.5:1 CR.  

Anyone know were to get the best deal on a Schrick?

I Checked the archeives for info on timing belt replacement. None found.
Would this make a good FAQ topic? 

Just out of curiosity, why do you have to remove the lower sprocket, etc.
from the crank? 


Thanks

Bruce 


'87 4000CS Quattro

bbell@csn.net (Bruce Bell)