Timing Belt

[isaac1]

Hi,

I had my timing belt changed at about 99,000 miles. Howevere took it to the mechanic and he said it looks like there are quite a few cracks in your belt. Meaning it could be on its way out. He showed me pictures of it.

Now if Im going to get this changed what else is worth changing at the same times aprt from the water pump, that could save me money in the sense of doing it at a later stage?

Thanks

[_FUBAR_]

buy a complete timing belt kit. i changed mine at 73,000 miles. changed everything. both belts, waterpump, tensioner, idler pulley and coolant. if the belt break your engine is toast. i got my kit from ecstuning.
Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8T > Engine > Timing > ES#2286 ECS Tuning Timing Belt Kit - Ultimate - 06B198479 V2
took me 4 hours to do. no special tools required.

[fukn_dubn_gti]

That ultimate timing belt kit is the way to go. It's the best for preventative maitenance.

[2001Jettagls]

Originally Posted by _FUBAR_

if the belt break your engine is toast.

Actually, those are my favorite VW's to buy. A 1.8 with a broken timing belt can be bought relatively cheap. Throw in a couple days labor to pull the cylinder head, replace the valves and bolt it back together, and you have a nice car to keep for yourself or sell.

[_FUBAR_]

true. but i dont think the OP wants to drop say $1000 to have the head rebuilt and pistons replaced if need be.

[mitwehrli0317]

I know when I had all my stuff done, the shop also replaced the dip stick tube.

[2001Jettagls]

Originally Posted by isaac1

Hi,

I had my timing belt changed at about 99,000 miles. Howevere took it to the mechanic and he said it looks like there are quite a few cracks in your belt. Meaning it could be on its way out. He showed me pictures of it.

Now if Im going to get this changed what else is worth changing at the same times aprt from the water pump, that could save me money in the sense of doing it at a later stage?

Thanks

How many miles are on the car now?

[Shameless]

They probably broke your dip stick tube fucking around with your intake manifold.

[mitwehrli0317]

ahh makes sense. when is it actually recomended to be replaced at.. I've heard every 80k, and even 60-70k

[vwGLI]

i got the ultimate kit. its everything u need. and it took fubar four hours lol, takes a regular person a day or two lol

[isaac1]

Hi,

The car now has 139,000. So its only done 40,000 since I last had it done.

Anothe problem I have and dont know if its related is my fuel consumptiom. I dont know if its weather related but Im just about managing to get 200 miles from a half a tank. Thats after filling it right to the top. Could this be a sperate issue?

Thanks

[_FUBAR_]

200 miles from half a tank seems good. thats what i average. i usually go 350-400 miles when the gas light comes on.

[2001Jettagls]

Originally Posted by isaac1

Hi,

The car now has 139,000. So its only done 40,000 since I last had it done.
Thanks

40,000 miles and its cracked already? I suppose those cracks are on the smooth side of the belt?

A few things come to mind....
Do You drive in lots of heavy city traffic, with excessive time idling
Or do you live near the ocean and the salt air has degraded the belt
Or a poor quality belt was used last time
Or any combination of the above.


Do youknow for sure that the belt really was changed at 99,000 like the mechanic said. Did he return the old parts to you? Did you ever remove the inspection cover to verify that it was done?

[isaac1]

Hi,

Yes.. Cracks are on the smooth side.

Mainly do alot of motor way driving. But I have been known to drive a little bit harsh. Obviously not a manica driver, but give it a bit of gas now and then.

Not sure if you are familiar with GSF. Thats where I got the timing belt kit from. Now when I spoke to the mechanic who usually deals with my car, he said when doing something big like that always go with genuine VW parts. They would have lasted me upto 60,000 plus. So My mistake was going for a slightly cheaper alternative. Should have spent that extra £50-60 on genuine parts and had it last me another year or so!!!

Yes he did change it and I do trust him, as he is a mates brother and Ive known him from some yearsd and o take my car to him quite a bit. Never did remove the inspection cover.

Another question. What is that pipe (thick pipe) next to the timing belt cover, which gopes down to my intercooler called? It has come a little lose and I have been told that could result in a loss of pwer.

Thanks for thre plies..

[isaac1]

Im pretty sure I use to get about 245-260.