How to get correct timing belt tension without the gauge?? - page 1 - General - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• How to get correct timing belt tension without the gauge?? by AudiVWguy on 25 Nov, 2008 07:43
• This might be a question that has crossed a lot of peoples minds when they are doing the T-belt. Those of you who have the tool, is there a measurement in inches or mm that is the same as what the tension gauge says?
  Thanks,
  -JB
• #1 by zukgod1 on 25 Nov, 2008 08:11
• Tension gauge?
  
  Are you refering to the gauge that tells you the tension on the timing belt?
• #2 by DCC on 25 Nov, 2008 09:00
• Quote from: "zukgod1"

  Tension gauge?
  
  Are you refering to the gauge that tells you the tension on the timing belt?

  
  
  I think so.
  
  You should be able to twist the belt 90º just in the middle between the camshaft and the pump. No more, no less.
• #3 by zukgod1 on 25 Nov, 2008 09:17
• I thought it was 45 deg?
  
  Anyone have a Bentley handy?
• #4 by Vincent Waldon on 25 Nov, 2008 09:20
• For MK2 diesels the Bentley strongly recommends the use of the proper tool, with a 45 degree twist being the (very) approximate work-around (90 degrees is the work-around given for gassers).
  
  For MK3 diesels Bentley completely dropped any mention of the workaround and insists on the proper tool... for both diesels and gassers.
• #5 by zukgod1 on 25 Nov, 2008 09:32
• Thanks Vince.
• #6 by DCC on 25 Nov, 2008 11:03
• Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

  For MK2 diesels the Bentley strongly recommends the use of the proper tool, with a 45 degree twist being the (very) approximate work-around (90 degrees is the work-around given for gassers).

  
  
  Thanks for the info!
• #7 by VW_Commuter on 25 Nov, 2008 11:28
• Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

  For MK2 diesels the Bentley strongly recommends the use of the proper tool, with a 45 degree twist being the (very) approximate work-around (90 degrees is the work-around given for gassers).
  
  For MK3 diesels Bentley completely dropped any mention of the workaround and insists on the proper tool... for both diesels and gassers.

  
  
  So what's the proper tool?  I'm at work and don't have access to my Bentley.
• #8 by rabbitman on 25 Nov, 2008 12:52
• Yeah for mk1 they don't say anything about 45 deg, just the tool. For mk2 the manual says tool or 45 deg.
  
  Proper tool is VW210.
• #9 by Vincent Waldon on 25 Nov, 2008 13:00
• Looks like this:
  
  
  
  The guys that carry VW specialty tools (Samstag, ZDmac, Hazet, Heyco, etc) generally have it... and for you Americans evidently Harbour Freight has a version.
• #10 by VW_Commuter on 25 Nov, 2008 13:24
• The one at Harbor Freight, which has the same pic as the one you posted Vince , says it's for belts up to 3/4" thick.  What's the thickness of our belts?
• #11 by burn_your_money on 25 Nov, 2008 13:40
• I'll have to find my mk1 bentley. I thought it said 90 in it.
• #12 by VW_Commuter on 25 Nov, 2008 14:19
• I'm home now and just checked my brand spankin' new Continental timing belt, wait for it, 1" exactly.
• #13 by VW_Commuter on 25 Nov, 2008 14:37
• Sorry, the width of the belt.
• #14 by jtanguay on 25 Nov, 2008 14:39
• they probably refer to the tool because some people might just guess at the angle, and ruin a motor... less liability for them  :wink: