Author Topic: 3 Simple Timing Belt Change Questions (Read 8968 times)

jtanguay · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2009, 12:20:17 pm »

Quote from: "Smokey Eddy"

Sorry for posting my probably worthless comments.
It must be different for eco's and with the AC in the way because on my 1.6TD MF i had NO trouble just baring the pulley with a piece of flat stock with one hand and undoing the bolts with an allen wrench with a pipe on the end of it for the first time "stuck" bolts. must be a different story or something. we are talking about water pump pulley right?

by baring i just mean shove the stock between two of the bolts and apply opposite forces (in the right directions of course), it's hard to explain i guess. If all else fails i can post a pic of me doing it. I may want to put anti-seize on those bolts anyways.

not a worthless comment :wink: the antiseize is always a good idea! when i want to install a/c in my jetta this summer it will be a breeze to take off the pulley

Jettage1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2009, 07:25:43 pm »

Quote from: "Jettage1"

Hey, assuming I get the tensioner off okay (heard horror stories) what do you guys use to "re-tension" the belt? I know there's a VW 2-prong tool, but do you have suggestions for a simple substitute?

Just a bump on this question - before I drop the $30+ on the tool... :roll:

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2009, 08:51:32 pm »

Honestly, i just pull on the tensioner with one hand as hard as i can and tighten the nut with the other :oops:

i always check to see how tight i got it of course. If im having trouble i'll get someone else to tighten the nut while i use two hands and put a foot on the bumper. :roll:
giving it a few revelutions is also a must to make sure the tension is evenly distributed.

people are gonna say im a moron though for doing this. I expect that :roll: but i've never had an issue (yet)

never forget to double check the timing once you have the belt on!!!!!!!!!!

burn_your_money · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2009, 10:06:19 am »

I do it the same way Ed. I just pull up on the Tensioner by hand (not as hard as I can, it doesn't need to be that tight). Make sure you are rotating it clockwise. You need the 2 pronged tool on TDIs because they are tensioned tighter then the IDIs.

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2009, 11:48:09 am »

Fork with two bent tines will work well, as will snap-ring pliers with right-angle tips.

I also heard of a guy who used a stick of wood with two long nails driven thru it. :wink:

Jettage1 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 04, 2009, 12:04:53 pm »

Thanks for the good ideas, guys. At least I know what to expect. I like the stick & two nails - very utilitarian. :lol:

Cheers!

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 04, 2009, 12:27:39 pm »

I think im going to make one of those today!

klr4evr · « **Reply #22 on:** January 04, 2009, 01:16:47 pm »

Here's my home made water pump pulley removal tool. Slip it over the heads of the three bolts. Holds pulley still while you loosen all bolts. Works for tightening too.

rabbitman · « **Reply #23 on:** April 23, 2009, 04:46:40 pm »

I just put my injector pump back on and I'm paranoid of tightening the t-belt too much.
Anyways, on the belt midway between the cam and pump there is 5/8 inch of slop when I grab it on each side my with thumb and pinky and pull it up and down. Does this sound acceptable?

dieselweasel · « **Reply #24 on:** April 23, 2009, 09:33:12 pm »

The general consensus on timing belt tension for the IDI engines is 45 degrees of twist checked between the cam and pump sprockets. By twist I mean grab the belt with your thumb and forefinger, and see how much you can twist it with firm, but not excessive effort. 5/8 up and down sounds ok but I'd check it with the twist method too.

dieselweasel · « **Reply #25 on:** April 23, 2009, 10:03:00 pm »

Quote from: "libbybapa"

The twist method stinks. Using the proper VW tension measuring tool and setting the belt to the spec for tension it takes no effort to twist past 45°. 90° is possible, but takes effort.

The tool that fits the tensioner is not nearly as valuable as the tension measuring tool. As others have mentioned, you can get the proper tension on the belt by rotating the tension and applying hand pressure, no tool necessary. Using the tool, it's actually hard to avoid over-tightening the belt. If the belt is over-tightened, the intermediate shaft bearings and injection pump shaft bushings will be worn out very quickly.

Interesting. My t-belt is likely slightly over-tightened then. It's true that the twist method is pretty inaccurate given that your measurement will vary based on the amount of twisting force applied. Do you know of any supplier that sells the tension measuring tool for a decent price?

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #26 on:** April 23, 2009, 10:03:32 pm »

We should put the whole 45 degree twist thing in the FAQ, shouldn't we. :wink:

rabbitman · « **Reply #27 on:** April 24, 2009, 12:13:45 pm »

Yeah it sounds like I got it right, I can easily twist it 45* with thumb and pinky. I also cranked the tensioner tight using just my fingers. When first got into diesel vws I used the tool and cranked it so I could go no more than 45*, I was afraid it would slip teeth, I'm also on my 3rd set of IP bushings :roll: . This time I did it myself, pressing the bushings in and reaming them, much cheaper to do myself. I also wacked off the control lever stop since I have an LDA to put on, FWIW it makes lots of black smoke

. Well thanks guys

Author Topic: 3 Simple Timing Belt Change Questions (Read 8968 times)

klr4evr