Author Topic: Newbie needing help  (Read 3646 times)

Offline james.mckenzie

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Newbie needing help
« on: 11 October 2017, 16:12 »
Hi all,

First poster, new owner, new member.

Bought a 8V, 90bhp N reg GL mk3. Its low mileage (50k) with loads of service history. Sweet as a nut. However it needs a timing belt change I fear. I couldn't find any receipt in the last 10 years for a change and I couldn't find anything in the service books on change intervals.

What is the interval for timing belt changes and what are your opinions on changing the tensioner and water pump also? Finally, at a reputable indy, what would I expect to pay for this job (inc/ex parts).

Schonen sie kennen zu lernen!

James

Offline james.mckenzie

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Re: Newbie needing help
« Reply #1 on: 11 October 2017, 16:19 »
Sorry, engine is ADZ

Offline Jasikasisback

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Re: Newbie needing help
« Reply #2 on: 11 October 2017, 16:48 »
Congratulations on becoming a mk3 golf owner. You will now learn more about cars than you thought humanely possible.

Timing belt intervals are usually 60000miles or up to five years...whichever comes first...people drive around without changing them...some get lucky and go 250000 miles with no problems, others suffer from engine damage.

It is not hard to learn there are plenty of guides here on the forum. Once you can do this job, you will know your car quite well. First time you do it it may take awhile..you may not do it perfectly and you will have to redo it, but if you follow the guide then you shouldn't damage your engine.

If you want someone else to do it, you may find that most garages will charge you two hours labour and parts. You will need the belt and tensioner, which are inexpensive.

I have seen mechanics who know what they are doing change it in less than an hour at a leisurely pace.
You wont need a lot of tools and I have seen it done an easy way by moving the alternator out of the way and then putting it back.

So a garden mechanic who is quick may do it for £50 with you supplying the parts. Think garages will charge you around double if not more. Considering the value of the car,  you would be best off doing it yourself or having someone teach you how to do it. Try your luck on the forum here, maybe someone lives close to you or you are willing to drive out to them...and you can negotiate how they will be compensated for their time. Plenty of people have helped me out on this forum and thanks everyone.  I am sure you will find someone to give you a hand.

Offline james.mckenzie

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Re: Newbie needing help
« Reply #3 on: 12 October 2017, 12:23 »
Thanks very much.

I think ill have a go at it myself unless someone pipes up from the Oxfordshire area.

Do you know if the water pump is driven off the timing belt on the ADZ 1.8 engine?

Best,

James

Offline itavaltalainen

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Re: Newbie needing help
« Reply #4 on: 12 October 2017, 19:00 »
It's pretty much a doddle on the mk3. Bit more tricky if it has air con.
You can borrow my Haynes manual if you want to. You need to improvise some locking tools.

Water pump on the mk3 1.8 does not run off cambelt. It is driven by one of the aux belts (which of the two depends if it has air con or not).

I would only change water pump if it's really, really old. Both aux belts I'd replace with cam belt though as they need to come off anyway.

Cambelt kit (Gates do one with INA tensioner and Gates belt) is around 25 quid I think, both aux belts together probably less than 20.

Might be able to give you a hand but depends a little on my schedule. There is a for hire garage that charges 15 / 20 quid (weekday / weekend) an hour and they supply standard tools too, even some specialist tools if they have them. It's in Culham and they also do give you a hand if you get stuck (well don't expect them to do it for you but they'll give you tips and if you're really stuck they do come and help if it's not too busy and you ask nicely).
http://thisisyourgarage.com/about/workshop/
I've done a service on the Mrs mk6 there as I didn't want to do it in the freezing cold on ramps and/or jacks and stands.

« Last Edit: 12 October 2017, 19:07 by itavaltalainen »
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