Sqeaking cambelt

[mark2GTI]

(Thanks for the previous answer golfvr6)

I have recently changed the head gasket on my Digifant 1989 Golf GTI MK2 engine, when I first put the head back on I put the cam seal (small rubber strip) under the camshaft instead of over it in the valve cover ? where it should be, I corrected the mistake and I thought it was all OK, I have recently noticed that the cambelt isn?t running straight it?s moving from side to side on the adjustment wheel this is causing a squeaking noise because it?s causing the belt to touch the side of the engine (near the intermediate sprocket) . The only cog that I have moved is the cam sprocket so I assume that I haven?t got it quite straight or something ? Can someone ?in the know? tell me if this sounds right or not.

Cheers

DaveB
 
 
 

[golfvr6]

Is the belt correctly tensioned? it is normal for the belt to move a bit on the tensioner, but it shouldn't be hitting anything. Is the tensioner a new one? worth replacing when changing the belt. ALWAYS buy the belt and tensioner from vw, DO NOT buy cheap alternatives!
A quick check to do with tension of the belt -  try and turn the belt 90 degrees on the longest run of the belt, and try and move the belt off the cambelt sprocket, it shouldn't move.
If you still got problems then i would suggest stripping all the cam belt out again and checking it all.

[mark2GTI]

Thanks mate.

Is there any way of checking the condition of the tensioner?

Thanks

DaveB

[golfvr6]

Take the belt off the tensioner and spin it. I would personally replace the tensioner anyway if the car has done more than 60k.

[mark2GTI]

Yeah your right of course - I just don't wanna fork out the 40 quid! But cheaper than a new engine!

Thanks again

DaveB

[golfvr6]

Its a false economy not to replace the tensioner, just make sure you don't buy a cheap ie. from GSF, as they are sh!t.