Help a newb out with checking timing belt

So I've seen how to check fuel timing, and how to make sure your IQ is setup properly, but is there a way to check and see if your timing belt was installed improperly? Say for example someone missed a tooth or something, is there a way to see that without taking the entire thing apart like you're going to change out the belt and water pump?

No. Hardest is the cam slot, behind the vacuum pump, other 2 are easy enough.

BobnOH said:

No. Hardest is the cam slot, behind the vacuum pump, other 2 are easy enough.

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I've watched the videos where you take the vacuum pump off and put the lock in. I've also seen where you push the pin into the injection pump. What do you do with the crank sproket? I just watched a video that showed the serpentine belt having a slot in it.

Is it safe to assume that you lock the cam, put the pin in the injection pump and ensure the slot is facing up that the belt was installed properly?

I just look for the paint marks.

You set the crank to TDC looking through a hole in the top of the bell housing.
There's a rubber plug covering it.
There is a O on the flywheel & pointer there.
Search for timing belt procedure here, there are good pictures.

https://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/...nt-vw-jetta-tdi-golf-beetle-1998-2003-part-1/

This write up has pics toward the bottom of the page and on page two shows the ip and the tools in place.

oilhammer said:

I just look for the paint marks....................

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I do love sarcasm, but that was just mean.

Wasn't meant to be either mean or sarcastic. This really is the easiest way to tell that the job was done incorrectly. I see them all the time. Even had an ATQ V6 Passat in here a couple weeks ago that was Mark & Prayed.

Yea, well, either way we all really enjoy and benefit from any and all of your comments!

BobnOH said:

I do love sarcasm, but that was just mean.

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It made me chuckle too

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Tdijarhead said:

https://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/...nt-vw-jetta-tdi-golf-beetle-1998-2003-part-1/

This write up has pics toward the bottom of the page and on page two shows the ip and the tools in place.

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Another, from this site, is lengthy but step by step. Covers it simply, if you can follow directions it's not hard.
http://pics3.tdiclub.com/pdf/a4timingbelt.pdf

Thank you everyone. I doubt it's off, but the mechanic in me is just wanting to make sure.

oilhammer said:

Wasn't meant to be either mean or sarcastic. This really is the easiest way to tell that the job was done incorrectly. I see them all the time. Even had an ATQ V6 Passat in here a couple weeks ago that was Mark & Prayed.

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Mark and Pray lol yea I seen that before when I asked if the car had a new timing belt he was not joking but that was all he did and the paint marks was all over it , did not change any other parts typical builder . Walk up to a car and see the low miles on the odometer well that does not mean a damn thing as the engine might have 300k on it . There Is a group of those that do it in Dallas and in Huston for sure . I seen those first hand