just changed timign belt and tensioner....

[kniterider]

ello peeps just changed the timing belt and tensioner on my mk2 16v, and the clutch cable also,

the bloke i got this off said the car had recently had a new clutch thats why it was stiff (b@llocks i though), and also said the timing belt had been done!!!

clutch cable, 20min job clutch now smooth as a mother!!! advisable you change if yours is feeling stiff/heavy!!!, part cost ?7.16!!! from europarts (stuart!!)

hmm then i did the timing belt and tensioner, 'yeah its not long been done mate' b@llocks also mate!, two of the timing belt cover bolts were rusted out so had to be drilled to be removed, also did one off the crank auxillary pulley bolts!!! (which looked like it had been attacked with mole grips etc in the past so i think the task was then given up!!), all removed ok, the cambelt cover was fooked and you can see where things have been rubbing, so item has been disgarded till i can order a replacement, new belt fitted along with tensioner and all spot on!!! (bearing in tensioner where rough as @rseholes so im glad i changed!!) hopefully this will be peace of mind for me for a while!!

Gaz

i think from now on when i buy a car i will take tools and remove timing belt covers to check tensioner play/wear and the belt!!!! even when they say its been done (private or garage) id deffo fookin check after my mk4 engine smash up!!

[marcus123]

good job matey!

if i got all the parts and stuff, how much would you charge to do this job?

im crap on he old spanners, bit if i watch you then i could do it in the future!
if you didnt mind that is!

[kniterider]

i wouldnt do a cambelt change for anyone matey, cause if it went wrong/snapped etc id be held responsible!! yeah i can do the job and its easy really, but theres always fate!! and things can go wrong and you can encounter problems on your way (as i did today!!) id pay some one who will do the job and you can have peace of mind knowing if it goes band 2 miles down the road then you have some comeback!!

(not underestimating my workmanship here either!! , i just do me own, money isnt the point!!!)

Gaz

[marcus123]

cool  

cheers for the advice gaz

[mk1]

Nice one Gaz, so no pictures of you rebuilding a 16v head then .
My view is that if you have just brought the car I would always fit a timing belt and tensioner and piece of mind, you will probably have to fit one during your ownership.
Steve.

[so1o]

kniterider, good awnser. Even though most things can be done some are just best left to others. Like he said, if it does go bang, you have a comeback, and never would i even consider doing a timing belt for someone. Pay a garage to do it, cheap and reassurance.

Solo

[Madone_si]

I'm had to do several timing belt changes in the past and I can say not all of them have gone 100% sweet.

Best to get a professional to do these jobs and the same goes for tuning the car so it idles properly.... Past experience speaking here...

[golfvr6]

I have done loads of belt changes on my cars and other people cars.
I would only do mk1,mk2 and mk3. I have never done a mk4.
The point is if you know exactly what you are doing then its not a problem.

[Speedydub]

The last thing you'd want is for the belt to snap  

I can vouch for the expensiveness of repair (and mine wasn't even charged at full price lol)