AAZ and 1.9 n/a Crank Sprocket Questions.

[Greenthings]

1.How many miles (Average) on an AAZ or 1.9 n/a engine before the crank sprocket issue becomes noticeable and must be delt with?
2.How many miles with a "wobble" before it tends to break?
3.Any bearing whine during or before this stage?
4.What's the avg. cost to do the preventative repair work at a qualified shop?
 I have a 1.9 n/a (mexico) that I may be installing in a Caddy. I believe the engine has about 40k miles? NO Dimple on sprocket..... I'm wondering if I have another 100k miles or so before the sprocket become an issue. Also...The T-belt currently "tracks" toward to pulley end of the Crank shaft(not centered). The T-belt  also tracks to the outer edge of the Intermediate shaft pulley (not centered). No Wobbles. Engine currently installed in a non A/C Vanagon with 1.6 pump and bracket set-up. The pump also has a T-belt alignment issue (tracking outer-edge of sprocket). I've read some articles on fixing the pump bracket / pulley alignment issue and will be addressing.
5. Would the Injector pump/bracket mis-alignment issue cause the T-belt to track (off-center) at the Crank and Intermediate Pulleys? or Vise-Versa?
 Thank you for any experienced or knowledgeable input on this stuff.

[rabbitman]

Pick up the output end of the IP and it'll make the belt track in more.

To do that kinda requires pulling the IP, loosening the bracket(s) and adjusting the brackets (over and over and over......) until you get it right.

[Greenthings]

Thanks for the feed-back. I would still love some good news on the 1.9 crank thingy. I have read on here that running the AAZ with the mk1( no a/c alt bracket) does eleviate most of the stress that causes the Crank shearing. Is that true??? I know the TDI alt set-up would be best but I don't have the extra $$$ to get into that. After much yapping on here, about dropping a 1.6 turbo in my Caddy, I realized I that I should really put in the big boy ( 1.9). I have one of each. After researching..., the 1.9's metal head gasket, low miles, and no-maintenance valves made the difference. Just trying to figure out this crank thing. Don't have the (wobble) problem yet...hoping my set-up will alleviate the problem....Any more input would be appreciated. Thanks again. 

[Vincent Waldon]

Unfortunately there's no real answer to your first couple of questions... no magic counter that indicates when the sprocket may loosen and a problem may develop.  Initial condition, driving style, diligence of the guy who torqued on the bolt... lots of variables.

It's not an issue of crank shearing but rather rotational torque causing the crank sprocket to work loose.... particularly when driving the very momentum-filled serpentine alternator. If you search on "AAZ and CRANK" you'll find tons of previous discussion on this.

IMHO, a fresh and properly-torqued crankshaft bolt and a clutched alternator pulley (if using the serpentine alternator) go a long long way to preventing any issues... the cure is of course the TDI crank nose and sprocket.

[Greenthings]

Great!!!...that's the stuff i needed to know. I've been driving around in my 82 Vanagon (1.9 n/a-40K miles) for 5 or 6 years now. Just about every week I go out and stare at the crank while it's running ( And ponder how long till the Wobble cometh? ) This MK1 no/ac alternator is the only accessory the engines driven since new, so my mind is a little more at ease now. The 81 Caddy Turbo Diesel plan (on a budget) is building-up speed now....I pick-ed up a good "GP" Tall-geared..3+E (50+ mpg!! hopefully) 4-speed tranny (and new clutch set) to replace my screaming "GC" trans. The 5 speeds are the "cream" but saving myself self the time and $ of the extra linkage, shifter, and mount work is also a bonus. Installing a re-built K-24 turbo and 1.6 turbo manifolds (for now..probally lucky to ever see 15 psi))., Audi Side mount Intercooler (more for efficiency than H.P.tuning), Re-built ( Tech-modded) 1.6 Turbo Pump, VDO (always!) Boost, EGT, and Oil Temp and a Mocal oil thermo plate/ and oil cooler. I'm only lacking my 2.25 exhaust system and down-pipe. Building-up this Caddy for work, commuting,and camping. There probally won't be  much Pimping or Racing in it for a long time. I'll post the progress......May great outcomes proceed all your worthwhile and integredous endeavors (People).....Thanks for the forum