elcamino73
Veteran Member
So, I just completed my second timing belt job on my '02, using the how-to PDF in the Articles page.
I followed it step-by-step, set the timing w/ VCDS, drove to work. On my way home (about 50 miles on the belt), the engine made an odd noise (like something let go; hard to explain). I didn't realize that the engine had stopped, as it felt like loss of power, for several seconds while I coasted down the hill and onto my road/driveway (thankfully it stopped rolling 150 yds from my garage). After I saw the battery light come on, I put the trans in neutral (5-speed) and finished coasting.
Not thinking, I tried to re-start it once the car stopped rolling. The starter seemed to spin with a lot less resistance (almost like it wasn't engaging). Then I though, "timing belt" and pulled off the cover and from visual inspection (at night w/ a flashlight) it seemed ok. I bumped the starter and noted that the belt had moved, but now felt for the tension.
The belt was loose (I could press down about 1/2" of deflection). I called a tow truck to get it the rest of the way down my muddy road/driveway.
After the driver and I rolled the Jetta off the flat-bed and into my garage (no pushing!!), I took a peek at the tensioner, it was not aligned properly (the belt seemed tighter than when I tested it pre-tow). I then went to bed (since it was late).
At this point I have not ascertained if the tensioner nut is loose, or pulled any other covers off the belt. As far as I can see down, the belt seems intact and doesn't pull off.
From my visual inspection last night (in my well-lit garage), everything looks intact, and there are no frays on the belt.
At this point I don't tell if the timing belt has shifted/jumped. My next step is to pull the valve cover and try to manually rotate the engine to TDC and check for manual timing.
After that, what do I need to check to see if there is any engine damage (other than pulling the head), and what do you suggest at this point? I'll be digging into this tonight after dinner.
Thanks in advance.
I followed it step-by-step, set the timing w/ VCDS, drove to work. On my way home (about 50 miles on the belt), the engine made an odd noise (like something let go; hard to explain). I didn't realize that the engine had stopped, as it felt like loss of power, for several seconds while I coasted down the hill and onto my road/driveway (thankfully it stopped rolling 150 yds from my garage). After I saw the battery light come on, I put the trans in neutral (5-speed) and finished coasting.
Not thinking, I tried to re-start it once the car stopped rolling. The starter seemed to spin with a lot less resistance (almost like it wasn't engaging). Then I though, "timing belt" and pulled off the cover and from visual inspection (at night w/ a flashlight) it seemed ok. I bumped the starter and noted that the belt had moved, but now felt for the tension.
The belt was loose (I could press down about 1/2" of deflection). I called a tow truck to get it the rest of the way down my muddy road/driveway.
After the driver and I rolled the Jetta off the flat-bed and into my garage (no pushing!!), I took a peek at the tensioner, it was not aligned properly (the belt seemed tighter than when I tested it pre-tow). I then went to bed (since it was late).
At this point I have not ascertained if the tensioner nut is loose, or pulled any other covers off the belt. As far as I can see down, the belt seems intact and doesn't pull off.
From my visual inspection last night (in my well-lit garage), everything looks intact, and there are no frays on the belt.
At this point I don't tell if the timing belt has shifted/jumped. My next step is to pull the valve cover and try to manually rotate the engine to TDC and check for manual timing.
After that, what do I need to check to see if there is any engine damage (other than pulling the head), and what do you suggest at this point? I'll be digging into this tonight after dinner.
Thanks in advance.