Author Topic: Timing belt almost mishap.  (Read 3019 times)

October 18, 2009, 10:45:43 am

allsierra123

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Timing belt almost mishap.
« on: October 18, 2009, 10:45:43 am »
Took a 200 mile trip yesterday. 100 miles there and back. The van ran great the 1.9 aaz ran like a sewing machine. It didnt like the mountain grades a lot but it handles them. Needs tuned no doubt. I got home shut it down though it was a great trip. Went out this morning and was going to do some piddling around on it. And noticed black stringy stuff coming out of the T belt cover. I pulled it loose thought hmm. So I pulled the cover and the belt top was worn to the metal inside. I thought that was odd poked around everything seemed to be in order. So I fired it up and though I would watch. So Im looking I notice the idler pulley just below the I believe came shaft pulley. Its the idler on the top not the one down by the crank. Its froze up and not turning. So Now I need to do a Timing belt job or have someone around here do it. Any ideas If there might be another underlying problem. Or if this thing was just due for a timing belt job.

Reply #1October 18, 2009, 10:55:57 am

Rabbit on Roids

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2009, 10:55:57 am »
yea, complete timing job is in order. you are so lucky. you dont even know. you were this close |  | to seeing that AAZ in VW diesel heaven. no joke. usually you dont get to catch this kinda thing unless you are really good.

Reply #2October 18, 2009, 11:32:20 am

allsierra123

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2009, 11:32:20 am »
Obsessive compulsive paranoia. Im used to thoroughly inspecting the vanagon engine compartment almost on a daily basis. You are right it is thread bare Im going to get some pics of it. Where is a good source to buy the components needed? Is it something I could tackle myself or Should I send it to the shop. We have a few great vw shops in the area one services mostly vanagons and diesel vw's/ 

Reply #3October 18, 2009, 01:48:34 pm

Op-Ivy

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2009, 01:48:34 pm »
Good save! Do a search on the forum for more information. Tons of good information on doing a timing belt and tensioner.

Reply #4October 18, 2009, 04:29:14 pm

allsierra123

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2009, 04:29:14 pm »
I have got the how to's found. But I need to find a source on the aaz parts I figure I will change the serpentine and the waterpump while im in there.

Reply #5October 19, 2009, 09:06:43 pm

janb

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2009, 09:06:43 pm »
I use Halsey Import in Portland, OR.  They send mail order parts daily, good prices.
503-256-0182  or 1-800-792-0081

I have a few AAZ's and they have kept me well supplied.

you are so lucky... AND you started it to WATCH  :o

I have a frozen idler in my 'memento' display. It wore the belt a lot (but not to shreds), and had been frozen long enough to significantly rust.
The Stealth Rabbit
VW-d's are forever

Reply #6October 19, 2009, 10:32:24 pm

vanbcguy

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2009, 10:32:24 pm »
http://autopartsway.com also has 'em reasonably cheap.  I got mine through autopartsonlinecanada.com but I'm up north here... Make sure you get a good one, no low end parts on this stuff!
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #7October 20, 2009, 09:49:30 am

smutts

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2009, 09:49:30 am »
 ;D Good Save! I had a similar one on a petrol vw, as there was a rubbery squishy whirring sound form the engine after a 500 mile 6 hour drive from Edinburgh. Hmm, I will have a quick look in the morning, says I. Just as well as I did, all the cambelt teeth were worn to the thickness of paper. So I get the "Lucky Git" award from the garage for that one.

Moral of the story? Ignoring new sounds can get expensive. Also, don't do the cambelt too tight, as most DIYers try to get them like the fanbelt, (including me as I had only changed that belt 5000 miles before!) Lesson learned.  8)

Is that little idler above the injection pump actually necessary? as the 1.6's do fine without it, or is the block being 15mm taller do something to the belt?
« Last Edit: October 20, 2009, 09:51:34 am by smutts »

Reply #8October 22, 2009, 07:41:23 am

Rabbit on Roids

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2009, 07:41:23 am »
I use Halsey Import in Portland, OR.  They send mail order parts daily, good prices.
503-256-0182  or 1-800-792-0081

I have a few AAZ's and they have kept me well supplied.

you are so lucky... AND you started it to WATCH  :o

I have a frozen idler in my 'memento' display. It wore the belt a lot (but not to shreds), and had been frozen long enough to significantly rust.

remember how much a belt and tensioner is off the top of your head? im in the market for a new one. time for a complete tune up. my engine has been running for quite a while, and all ive done so far is put diesel in it, and change the oil. a timing belt, pump re seal, valve adjustment and a couple other little things ive never done. oh yea, im going to actually time it too..

Reply #9October 22, 2009, 05:24:07 pm

allsierra123

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Re: Timing belt almost mishap.
« Reply #9 on: October 22, 2009, 05:24:07 pm »
about $26 each. I just placed an order with them for that and my water pump and t stat and various gaskets.