Locking the cam and IP drive gear

[trav1856]

I'm reading in the Bentley manual, that when you change the timing belt, you're supposed to lock the cam and IP with a special tool. If there an alternative? or do you need this special tools?

Secondly, do I need to lock them if I'm taking my IP off to do the governor mod?

[Quantum TD]

You will want to do two things when you do your modification:

1) use a dial indicator to record the injection pump timing setting. You'll want to do this if you're getting really good MPG.

2) Use the correct tools to re-time the block, head and cam IF you pull the pump.

But, the governor mod doesn't require removal of the pump, so I wouldn't touch any of that. You can pull the top cover off the pump and get anywhere near the belt.

Even so, they are great tools to have if you plan on keeping your IDI. There's a guy in Germany who sells a package kit (locking tools and a dial indicator with adapter) for a reasonable price (about $100 shipped).

[Vincent Waldon]

The FAQ thread has a link or two on this, locking jigs you can make, etc.

Gotta have 'em if you're changing the timing belt... but don't need 'em if you're doing the governor mod, since the pump can stay in the car as preciously posted.

[Smokey Eddy]

A 13mm deep socket works well to lock the IP. And I use a steel file to lock the CAM. Not the prettiest but they will work well enough.

[theman53]

A 13mm deep socket works well to lock the IP. And I use a steel file to lock the CAM. Not the prettiest but they will work well enough.

I think my craftsman is 11mm, but I ended up buying the tools so I don't remember. One of your deep sockets will work for the IP

[bajacalal]

I have seen actual VW specialist shops use the flat end of an adjustable wrench to lock the cam and a 7/16" (or some other) socket to lock the pump. The real tools are just a a flat piece of angle steel and a plug. If you're friendly with a machine shop, you could ask if they have some out-of-spec plug gauges (from being dropped, etc) that would work to lock the pump.

Mark everything before disassembly with some paint for extra caution.

The special tool to turn the tensioner and the dial gauge are probably things you have to buy but they're worth it.

[rallydiesel]

The cam lock is more important than the IP pin. The cam lock needs to fit the cam slot perfectly as this sets cam timing which you cannot otherwise adjust. The IP pin is a loose fit even with the VW tools and only holds a very rough estimate of timing, which is set properly with the dial gauge. I would not hesitate using a deep socket to use instead of the pin but I would definitely use a proper thickness plate to hold the cam in position.

[macka]

I used a door hinge to lock the cam.

[Thezorn]

I used a door hinge to lock the cam.

X2 a 3 inch one to be exact. Then you can even use some feeler gauges to get it perfect

[745 turbogreasel]

I looked at this and fabricated.

[macka]

I <3 you turbogreasel