MK5 Golf 2.0 TDI

[Shenee23943]

Hi guys,


I am new to this forum and been searching a fair bit for the answer I need but am yet to find exactly what I am looking for.
I am an apprentice mechanic and to save money I decided to do my own timing belt and water pump on my Golf. I have done a fair few on various cars but never on a VW and as I discovered yesterday when I pulled it apart, these are special in the way they need to be timed.
My supplier sent the wrong belt kit (go figure), so I had to leave my car at work and wait until tomorrow to order the correct kit. I DON'T have access to VCDS and I don't have the timing tools (cam pins and crank locks).


I turned the crank pulley to TDC (lined up the notch on the pulley with the arrow on the timing case) but since I don't have either VCDS or the correct tools, how else am I going to make sure it is timed correctly? Surely there is a way around this....
My boss, who has no experience with german vehicles, thinks that will be fine but I don't trust him as he has no knowledge of these vehicles, and he wants me to get the car out of the way as soon as possible so we have another free hoist.
Can anyone help me out here please??


Thanks heaps!

[The One]

100% sure = Timing Belt Tool SET VW Audi Seat Skoda 2 0 TDI PD | eBay

On another note, you should have set the crank at TDC then marked the CAMS with a white out marker or such, then MAKE SURE you dont move the cams, it's not the 'right' way to do it but it would have saved your ass.

On another second note, don't risk it untill you're 100% sure, these don't have much tolerance (1 or 2 teeth if I remember correctly) before they hit.

Curiosity, what cars you work on?

[Shenee23943]

100% sure = Timing Belt Tool SET VW Audi Seat Skoda 2 0 TDI PD | eBay

On another note, you should have set the crank at TDC then marked the CAMS with a white out marker or such, then MAKE SURE you dont move the cams, it's not the 'right' way to do it but it would have saved your ass.

On another second note, don't risk it untill you're 100% sure, these don't have much tolerance (1 or 2 teeth if I remember correctly) before they hit.

Curiosity, what cars you work on?

Marked them with a paint pen, so if they move I know where they're meant to be
We usually work on Holdens, Fords, Toyotas etc. Not a big business and mostly do cooling systems... I guess people don't bring their VW's or Beamers to us because of this exact reason. But this being my own car, I REALLY especially want to make sure this is right. I should have trusted my instinct to begin with.
But I really need these tools asap... I haven't got time to wait for international postage, I can't leave my car on our hoist

[The One]

If you marked everything then whats the problem?

On another note, if your timing is out you'll know when your turn the engine over BY HAND

Mate technically speaking, if you marked everything before you took the belt off, aslong as you line up your marks you made again with the new belt, it should be ok as it would have been running fine originally (not hitting as you would for sure of known.)

[Shenee23943]

The problem is everyone is saying you need the tools..... I guess all I can do is put it back together with what I know and if all else fails I'll have to get a hold of the tools and try again. Thanks

[The One]

The problem is everyone is saying you need the tools..... I guess all I can do is put it back together with what I know and if all else fails I'll have to get a hold of the tools and try again. Thanks

I have seen people not used the tools and just marked them up and been alright, personally I wouldn't recommend it but if you're in a dyer situation as you state then looks like your gonna have to makedo. Just make sure you turn the engine over 2 revoloutions (4 times on crank) to ensure valves are not hitting pistons.

[Greg Roles]

PM me, I have the BKD set and can express post from Brisbane for free as a favour : )