Golf Mk4 20v cam belt changing, DIY????????

[ianholt1]

Hi all,
I have been reading some of the advice on this forum and there seems to be some very knowledgable members,
I have had my 1999 Golf for about 4 years now and it has been a fantastic car, if a little slow! It has done 108K and is in need of a new cambelt asap. Is this a job for a garage or could a competent mechanic handle this job? It is a 1.8 20valve (non turbo).
Thanks Ian

[danny_p]

not that hard as long as you have an idea about what your doing

[AliBailey88]

easy enough if ur mechanically minded, did myne in 2hrs with water pump and coolant change.

If u time it up wrong expect a fooked engine.

[ianholt1]

Thanks for the replies, Are there any specialist tools needed?
Ian

[AliBailey88]

no, just line up the crank sprocket and the cam with its marks. Turn over a few times once belt is on to make sure both marks are aligned and belt tension is ok.

[ianholt1]

Does any body know if the water pump is external on the 1.8 20valve non turbo. Or will I need to remove the cam belt again to change it?

[AliBailey88]

u need to remove the cambelt, held in by 2x 10mms and a big rubber washer.

[ianholt1]

Have been looking for a belt kit and was supprised to find VW very good. A local garage want £85 for a non gen belt kit and £230 fitted but Heron VW at Newark want the same for genuine parts. Gonna give it a go myself tomorrow, wish me luck?

[ianholt1]

Cam belt and water pump all done now. Thanks for the advice. Just out of interest how the f*ck do you remove the engine mount, the manual said to manipulate it from beneath but no matter how i tried it would not come out. I tried lifting and lowering the engine and levering it about but ended up working around it!
Next job = Clutch. any advice?

[AliBailey88]

ah yea, i remember the engine mount get me hot and frustrated but got it out it the end.