T/belt - mark and match method / factory marks on cam, crank & flywheel.

[lobe]

Hi,

Just read the excellent post re changing the t/b and w/p. I've always used the factory markers on most stuff but one question :-

If you just use the mark and match method, couldn't you be just potentially copying somebody elses mistake, i.e if one t/belt change has already been done as per maint schedule and was out or if the belt has jumped due to poor tension ???

Am not picking fault as i'll use both methods simultaneously but have read lots of people use the mark & match method only.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-Inside!/page9

[ben_marrett]

Hey Lobe,

When I did ours i used both methods to be sure. I did this by marking the belt top and bottom and also making sure the cam and flywheel notches were aligned. Daunting job doing it on your own car but saved alot of pennies!!

Ben

[lobe]

+1.

Thats what i plan to do too, just to be sure. Being an engineer i check, double and trebble check, which is sometimes to my detriment as it takes me longer to do things, others would do quickly, as they checked once, assume and go for it.
I guess thats how i was taught as an apprentice and it stays with you.

Measure twice, cut once

Q) - Did you have much strife with the engine mount people seem to gruble about ? , seem's like i would play about with the engine position, up/down etc anyway, even if i'd not read the DIY, cos thats what you have to do on most t/belt, clutch, transmission out jobs anyway. Some people, posted on the vwvortex thread as if its was a right PITA ?

Q2) - Also - the DIY by bug racer on here, states a 16mm spark plug socket 3/8 but doesnt mention it in the DIY. Did you need a 16mm deep socket for anypart (like the engine mount) ?
I assume he means to whip the plugs out, to turn engine over easier. I have 3/8 and 1/2" drive 16mm s/plug sockets, plus a selection of normal 16mm sockets 3/8 & 1/2 drive but was wondering if i need to go buy an additional 16mm deep socket i.e not quite as deep as a s/plug socket for the job (engine mount)

Q3) - Did you back the crank back a slight turn (3-4 teeth) like bugracer states in his post, before putting the belt on and then tensioning, as this process tends to spin the crank back to its correct position as you stretch the belt back on over the tensioner. I've not really done this before on other t/belt jobs and am thinking you'd need some serious force pushing a belt on, to turn the crank, especially with the s/plugs in.

vw vortex diy didnt mention this.

[ben_marrett]

There was alot of double checking... you can be sure of that!!.

Q1) The mount is a bit of paint just requires some manipulation to get it out of the bay and back in i found force and juggling of jacks to be the best to handle this.

Q2) Cant remember on this one but i did the whole job using a fairly basic stanley socket set + torx kit and tension wrench.

Q3) I didnt do this the belt was super tight without the tensioner i put it over the cam sprocket first then the crank, to get it on the crank i used a block and hammer to seat it, then i released the pin in the tensioner. I never pulled the plugs... thinking back now it was a little hard to get it cranking with them in but doable.

Hope that answers your questions.

[Jmac]

Personally its timing marks for me but thats how i was trained, all is well if the it was running before the job but as a tech thats not always the case with a snapped belt or a thrown bearing so where does the mark system work there? but yours is running so do what you have to do. Cool to have a go and many do good on them, but i still get them towed in when its went pear. i understand people have to save pennies for sure thats the way it is and there is plenty geniuses online to help, i still look when i need to do a house repair but ill still call a trained plumber or electrician to fix them woes i have, thats the way it is. 5 yrs training to be a tech is only the tip of the iceberg, most trades it stops there, but for atech if you dont learn something new everyday something wrong. Im sure you understand and i dont mean to rabbit on but the google mechanics do my head in mate after all the factory training. really it does. Anyway hope it all goes well and as always really happy to help here
Ta
Jmac