help needed

[vmech]

hi the problem i have is i want to replace cambelt on my car. i have used the search option and trawled the forums on a guide to do this job but to no avail  all i can get is little snippets of info on timing marks .does any one have a complete guide for this job as i want to get cracking on this job please also can i reset the ignition timing  with out removing cam belt  . any help gratefully recieved

[Ben Lessani]

Lets start with ... what car do you have

[vmech]

oh ye that would help a suppose (doh) its a 98 mk3 2.0 8v    :embarassed: cheers guys

[Ben Lessani]

I've never done a MK3, but I can't imagine it differs much from any car. The basic principal is

Jack up drivers side
Remove wheel
Remove arch lining for better access (optional)
Remove aux belt
Remove timing belt cover
Use tipex and mark the position of the crank > block in 2 places with two distinct marks, then repeat on all other shafts (cam, oil pump drive etc.).
Loosen the tensioner and remove the belt.
Fit a new tensioner and fit the new belt the right way round
Then do the above in reverse.

Its all pretty straightforward, it should just be obvious once you start, remove anything that gets in your way to the timing belt.

[vmech]

thanks for quick response ben .cheers

[Ben Lessani]

To answer your first question, valve timing is set by the cambelt, ignition timing is set by the dizzy/ecu.

Buy yourself a Haynes, jobs like this are covered in detail.

[Rmachines]

just a pointer...  the dizzy is set initially by the belt, the fine tuning is by the dizzy/ecu, so dont forget that sprocket needs to be lined up with everything else.  Heres a nice diagram to help 

[vmech]

cheers pal very much apprerciated .vmech