Club 80-90 Forums

I really need to pluck up some courage to change the timing belt on my 1983 1600D. Got all the complete belt change kit from Brickwerks eons ago.

I'm concerned about getting the cylinder alignment right for TDC. When aligning the flywheel for TDC does the mark rotate each single revolution into the correct position or not?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers, Neil

You could always do it the old fashioned roadside method - cut the existing belt in half lengthways and remove half, then you can slip the new one on (making sure that the tight side is on the right - carefully so that you don't make it one notch out) and then cut the remaining half off. This saves worrying about getting timing marks lined up. If you are replacing the tensioner also, make sure that the belt doesn't slip at all (you can use a piece of string to keep the tension on the belt whilst doing it to be ultra safe.
More than one way to skin a cat!

Thanks, OBG. I didn't know about the string trick so as I was going to do the tensioner as well that certainly makes it an option. Wonder what the chances are of the belt breaking? I take it you've used this high tech alternative? Will a stanley knife do the job? Did you turn the engine to get to the bits round pulleys etc? Certainly saves a lot of messing about with rocker covers and such.
Thanks again.

Yes, Stanley knife is the boy to use. You can turn the engine over slowly with the crankshaft bolt - clockwise, ie tightening the bolt way.
Remember that the tight side is the alternator/injection pump side so make sure that the new belt isn't at all slack on that side, you can soon tell if it is one notch loose.
It can save the locking of pump and cam fiddling and farting around, once you have done it this way once you can then do it on a campsite with a minimum of tools.
Make sure that you have or make a tool for adjusting the tensioner - I use a pair of right angled circlip pliers as I have them but two suitably dimensioned nails in a bit of wood does work! (You can test it on your new tensioner for size)

Brilliant!! Think I'm ready to tackle this now! With these tools I could go anywhere. Perhaps VW will give me a job. Better ensure the nails are metric!
Thanks a lot. Much appreciated.