Re: Quantum Timing Belt

[phile@stpaul.gov (Philip J Ethier)]

>      While I was pulling the radiator on my Quantum this weekend :(, I took 
>      a peek at what kind of labor would be involved to replace my timing 
>      belt (soon).  One question leaped out at me:  How in the world do I 
>      get at the front of the crankshaft pulley?!?!  I only have an inch of 
>      clearance between the sheetmetal below the bumper and the pulley!  Can 
>      any of you with 5-cylinder 4000s give some advice?  Am I a victim of 
>      VAG wedging a 5-cylinder engine into a 4-cylinder car?
>      
>      TIA.
>      
>      - Dave Dahl  (dad@roadnet.ups.com)
>      - '87 VW Quantum Syncro

I don't know, but I've been told...

Take off the front grill and front bumper assembly and it all becomes a
walk in the park.  At least that is what my mechanic was telling me as we
were checking out my '87 Syncro at purchase time.  I have had the front
bumper off for paint touch-up on the bodywork.  It is easy to remove the
four bolts inside the frame rails and just pull the whole thing straight
forward.  The grill is only plastic.  I am told there is a hole through
which you can reach the pulley bolt.  Motor mounts all stay intact.

Phil "Have not been there and done that, but I suppose I ought" Ethier.