timing belt R&R - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• timing belt R&R by 92EcoDiesel Jetta on 04 Jun, 2009 15:03
• Can someone post a link to some good DIY threads on changing the timing belt?  Preferably with pics
  
  I have all the parts: belt, tensioner, new sprocket bolt but my Bently still has not been shipped yet.
  
  I have 3 belts A $10 Duralast (Autozone) made in Italy, a $15 Goodyear Gatorback made in USA, and a Contitech made in Mexico (OEM?).
  
  Which belt do you think is the best belt? The Gatorback has a different tooth profile than the other 2 (Conti and the Italian belt) which are very similar. I don't like the Gatorback belt from the looks of it. I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?
  
  ps. I also have a $20 SKF tensioner and a $10 job made in Asia. I am putting in the SKF one.
  
• #1 by rabbitman on 04 Jun, 2009 15:17
• Forget the asian tensioner. I've heard contitech is the best.
  
  Check the FAQ for tips on changing the belt.
  
  From the FAQ: http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=28
• #2 by 8v-of-fury on 04 Jun, 2009 15:35
• Contitech is the best to use, but Gatorback is a trusted North American belt company as well. I use gatorback belts on EVERYTHING, from a 67 Mercury to a 95 Astro van.. Never had problems
• #3 by zukgod1 on 04 Jun, 2009 16:27
• Quote from: 92EcoDiesel Jetta on 04 Jun, 2009 15:03

  I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?
  
  
  
  

  
  
  Need to host them else where.
  
  I use Photobucket personally.
• #4 by Vincent Waldon on 04 Jun, 2009 20:42
• Quote from: zukgod1 on 04 Jun, 2009 16:27

  Quote from: 92EcoDiesel Jetta on 04 Jun, 2009 15:03

  I took pics of all 3 and can post them if people are interested. Is there a place to post pics on this forum or do I need to hosty them elsewhere?
  
  
  
  

  
  
  Need to host them else where.
  
  I use Photobucket personally.
  

  
  
  Also as per the FAQ.   
• #5 by Vincent Waldon on 04 Jun, 2009 21:33
• You don't want to loosen the crank pulley... you really really don't... and you don't need to.... the belt pulley comes off by removing the four allen bolts set into the pulley.
  
  You do need to loosen the cam pulley in order to set the timing properly... "mark and pray" is heavy on the pray.
• #6 by 79rabbit4dr on 05 Jun, 2009 12:07
• http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=16960.0
  
  Vince's write up is very useful, that's what I used my first time. I've got a couple extra pix posted in the thread above. Hopefully they'll help too.
  
  It's not as scary as some people make it out to be... just triple-check your results and you should be good. Take the time and spin it around a few times by hand(wrench) after you've got everything set to make sure you're not going to screw things up when you fire it up. Good luck!!!
• #7 by rallydiesel on 05 Jun, 2009 14:59
• I've only used the Contitech and have had absolutely zero problems. The other two are probably fine but Contitech is what I would use if I had a choice.