mk3 16v gti (ABF) part identification problem

[wrobstar21]

Ok here we go.

I have a 1996 N 16v gti. All numbers and paperwork say its an ABF engine, which i believe all 16v gtis have.

My problem is that i have to replace the tensioner wheel for the ribbed belt. My car (as i found out yesterday) has air con, although it doesn't work. The trouble is that when i have been to parts places they look up the part on the computer and it identifies a different wheel. Looks kind of similar but is plastic and about 5mm smaller. Its not right as it has a smaller bolt for the middle of the bearing in the pulley. It also has a different method of tensioning. Its not sprung at all and seems to be on a pivoting bolt and you adjust it by winding down a long bolt with a locking nut on it.

i have ETOS and i couldn't find any sign of MY part on there at all. The cars history doesnt show any engine swaps and i cant find info on any possible engine variations etc..

Anyone experienced similar on their car or offer any advice?

Rob



The haines manual doesnt even seem to detail my tensioning system anyway so im a bit stuck.

[wrobstar21]

great, the part has been discontinued. wank VW

[Diamond Hell]

Have you been to EuroCarParts and GSF?

Get a pic of it up on here.

You might need to go rob the setup off another car in a scrapyard.  IIRC some of the 8V stuff bolts up to the ABF.

[wrobstar21]

i think i am gonna have to go for the scrappy option although its a right pain in the arse tryin to find 16v engines.

[Diamond Hell]

Did you read my post?

8V stuff should fit. 

[wrobstar21]

Ill have a look and hope your right but ive not seem any 8v engines with this part on em.

Its a metal pulley with a central bearing on a straight metal (end pivot) bracket which is tensioned by a long upright bolt with a locking nut.

Looks totally different from any setup ive seen and i did a search using my etos program on loads of engines looking for similar but couldn't see anything.

Ill have a more detailed look tonight!!

[Wayne]

Is it the same on ABF's fitted to say the Corrado or Passat maybe.

[ToddyGTi]

The belt set up was changed around Mar-May 1994, GSF stock two different kits for this purpose. Pop down and have a look and see if it is in one of them as the price between the two is wide so could well be for this part 

[Diamond Hell]

Is it the same on ABF's fitted to say the Corrado or Passat maybe.

it'll struggle to be the same, seeing as they were only fitted with short block 2.0 16Vs not tall block ABFs. 

[wrobstar21]

Thanks to a local engineer the part has been repaired, he replaced the bearing in it so im happy again!

Bit of a bloody mystery about the part though!!!