EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
We're getting into a 2013 Beetle TDI - does it have a timing belt or chain?
Timing belt or chain?
- Thread starter EmeraldTDI
- Start date
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
I have read of no tdi's 2000 to current that use a chain.
EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
Shucks. But, thanks!
soot1
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2009
- Location
- Houston, TX
- TDI
- Currently none. Formerly: 2010 VW Jetta TDI 6M, 1993 Dodge Ram W250 Cummins 5M 4WD, 1990 VW Jetta Diesel 5M, 1986 VW Jetta Diesel 5M, 1980 VW Uabbit Diesel 4M. Currently driving 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD.
On a more positive note - the timing belt in that vehicle needs replacement only every 200,000 km.
EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
Thanks for that!
oilhammer
Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
You should read more. The V6s are cursed with either two or FOUR chains.
OP: you do NOT want a VAG engine with a chain. You want a belt. Be thankful that your new-to-you Volkswagen has a superior belt running its camshafts. It is unlikely to ever give you a peep of trouble so long as it is maintained properly.
EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
Cool. With 299K on it, should I assume I still have 100K to go on this timing belt? Or, is the only safe option to just get it done and know for sure? Or is there a way to know its condition?You should read more. The V6s are cursed with either two or FOUR chains.
OP: you do NOT want a VAG engine with a chain. You want a belt. Be thankful that your new-to-you Volkswagen has a superior belt running its camshafts. It is unlikely to ever give you a peep of trouble so long as it is maintained properly.
Lightflyer1
Top Post Dawg
If you don't have receipts showing what was replaced and when and who did the work, assume it hasn't been done (or done properly) and get it done now. It isn't just the belt that needs to be replaced but everything it touches as well as a few bolts.
GoFaster
Moderator at Large
On something with 300,000 km on it, it is a safe bet that the previous owner has not spent anything on maintenance beyond the bare minimum for quite a while.
Stuff that needs replacing at a minimum: The belt itself, the timing belt tensioner, the water pump, and the idler rollers. Doing the job requires undoing the engine mount, and those bolts are one-time-use, so those should be on the invoice as well. Changing the water pump means flushing the coolant ... that should be on the invoice.
Dunno about your area, but around here, there are several independent workshops that specialise in VW repairs. The last time I had a timing belt done, it was C$800-ish parts and labour at an independent VW shop with a good reputation. That was for a P-D (later model) engine, but the magnitude of the job is about the same.
Stuff that needs replacing at a minimum: The belt itself, the timing belt tensioner, the water pump, and the idler rollers. Doing the job requires undoing the engine mount, and those bolts are one-time-use, so those should be on the invoice as well. Changing the water pump means flushing the coolant ... that should be on the invoice.
Dunno about your area, but around here, there are several independent workshops that specialise in VW repairs. The last time I had a timing belt done, it was C$800-ish parts and labour at an independent VW shop with a good reputation. That was for a P-D (later model) engine, but the magnitude of the job is about the same.
EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
Noted!
EmeraldTDI
Veteran Member
Gotcha.