Timing belt markings

[anwar bham]

Hi all im going to attempt to change my timing belt, aux belt this week.

i have a 99 T reg ibiza 1.4i 8valve i think engine code is APQ

alignment is my biggest worry and TDC whould it be easier if i got some tipex or white paint and marked what position the cam pully and the crank shaft is before i take the belt off.

So when i put the new belt on as long as the tipex or white paint marks line up to there orignal position the timing should be right.

 

[M1KEH]

There should be proper locking tools to hold the engine in it's posistion for timining.

 

[anwar bham]

i thought you dont need to buy the locking tool as long as the markings stay aligned

 

[Naz]

i did my own timing belt on a vw polo 6n 1.4 with apq engine myself and used white paint, not most accurate and ended up being one tooth out, id get someone to do it to be honest!,

where abouts in birmingham are you, i know a local VAG-GOD who can do the job for you,

if it was me id change the tensioner and waterpump at the same time, i may have an brand new APQ tensioner lying around....

 

[M1KEH]

I'd buy the locking tools for the sake of the £20 they will most probably cost you. Do the water pump and tensioner at the same time too. If you don't wanna use the locking tools then an easy way is to slice half your old cambelt off slide on your new one half way then cut the old half completely off and push the new belt all the way on, Not a method i would reccommend personally and i'd rather spend my time making sure the marks line up. There should be marks already on the cam and crank so you know where they are meant to go anyway.

 

[anwar bham]

thanks ive already got the tensioner and waterpump with a metal fan.

ive looked at the locking tool in the haynes manual and youd have to open the cam case and lock the cam its only a straight piece of metal that fits in a groove in the camshaft and cam case.

I can probably use a thin file to do the same and for the crank its just a bolt that slips in the crank pully.

il give it a bash tomorrow and see how it goes

 

[anwar bham]

Need major help guys ive put the engine in proper alignment.
emptyed the cooling system.

taken the aux belt off.

now tryin to take off the timing belt but im stuck on a big bolt that holds the pully and crank there are 4 individual allen key bolts i have taken off. But in the centre there is a large size 19 star type shaped bolt. ive tried to lock the engine but the damn bolt will not move any suggestions

 

[M1KEH]

The big bolt shouldnt be holding the aux belt pulley, you just need to ease it off with a rubber mallet it think.

 

[anwar bham]

M1KEH you are a genious thanks it came off

 

[anwar bham]

thanks guys managed to change the Timing belt tensioner, waterpump and aux belt only took 7 hours,

my enginebay is full of tipex marks now lol

 

[M1KEH]

Glad you got it done. Cant remember how long my tdi one took, but it was certainly more complicated than the 1.4 lol.

 

[Naz]

props to you for sticking with it and not giving up!