Rolo
Member
Does it eat valves when the timing belt breaks.?
Really?Turbo Dsl Beetle said:Can I just say that with 20+ years in the automotive repair business I have never seen so much damage from any other engine when it's timing belt breaks.
Bobby
WOW! A bunch of questions in one posting.ArnoldHarris said:Assuming all of the above,
1) What is the safe mileage interval with the factory-installed TDI timing belt?
2) What is the safe mileage interval with a replacement TDI timing belt?
3) How can a TDI owner check the condition of his timing belt?
4) How many hours are involved in timing belt replacement?
5) How many hours for timing belt replacement are specified in the VW dealer's shop manual?
6) What special tools are needed for replacement?
7) What other belts should be replaced at the same time?
8) What other replaceable engine parts are there for which the timing belt must be removed to get at them (water pump, oil pump, etc)?
9) What other questions need to be answered about this problem with interference engines in general, and VW TDI interference engines in particular?
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
(2006 VW Jetta TDI; 5-speed manual transmission; B5 user; 30,500 miles.)
For 2006 Jettas I have seen both 100k miles and 90k miles. 90k is a reasonable number, though the TB will not fail at 91k.ArnoldHarris said:Assuming all of the above,
1) What is the safe mileage interval with the factory-installed TDI timing belt?
This depends on what parts you replace. Some dealerships quote a very high price, then ask if you "want" to replace the water pump, etc. Naturally many inexperienced TDI owners are already suffering from sticker shock and are not anxious to pay even more for something the dealer service advisor considers "optional".2) What is the safe mileage interval with a replacement TDI timing belt?
You listen to it, trying to discern any unusual swooshing noises, and especially any chirping noises. You can also remove the TB cover and check the tension of the belt, looking especially for any slackness.3) How can a TDI owner check the condition of his timing belt?
Dealerships will charge 5-6 hours, but an experienced tech can do it in about 3 hours.4) How many hours are involved in timing belt replacement?
A few, mainly to lock the cam in place. These can be rented from www.metalmanparts.com if you plan to do the work yourself.6) What special tools are needed for replacement?
A5 stands for the 5th generation of the A-platform. Your Jetta may also be referred to as a Mk5 Jetta. The A4 platform included the 1998-2006 New Beetle TDI, the 1999.5-2005 Jetta TDI, and the 1999-2005 Golf TDI.1) What does "A4", "A5", etc, refer to in VW model designation? All I know from the information I received from the dealer is that I own a 2006 VW Jetta TDI with 5-speed manual transmission.
Bentley manuals as found here - http://www.bentleypublishers.com/volkswagenArnoldHarris said:TR, you seem to know your way around TDI engines and tasks such as timing belt replacements. I checked out www.memtalmanparts.com. Their timing belt replacement kits are inexpensively priced.
What suggestions do you have for a detailed shop manual for my car (2006 Jetta TDI, PD, 5-speed manual transmission)? I assume mine is also described as an A-5, in contrast with the earlier Jetta model years.
A useful feature is a printed copy of a shop manual with an online step-by-step counterpart with lots of easy-to-see color photos.
But before I get that far, what is available and useful in shop manuals?
I have been rebuilding computers and 1950s era German 35mm rangefinder cameras for some time, so I am no stranger to exacting and detailed labor.
Thank you for your advice and help.
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
I think this is what happened to me, because I literally just checked the both belts a couple weeks ago. The car just died and coasted on my two days ago, and both belts are missing. I'm hoping I have your good fortune of not having any head damage (or to have to replace too many valves). I'm sure I'll be on this forum around the clock this weekend.They are an interference engine, but a timing belt failure does not 100% guarantee a catastrophic engine failure. I had the tensioner let go on me, I guess the spring inside it slipped around about an inch and released the belt, the engine stalled and wouldnt start, but there was no damage to the head. I do beleive I am the exception to the rule though.
It is safest for you to assume the worst, then go ahead and procure a properly rebuilt head with all new valves, etc. A damaged valve does not always appear to be damaged, but it will eventually fail and then you'll have even more damage and another high repair bill. It really is almost impossible for a timing belt to fail without pistons hitting valves.I think this is what happened to me, because I literally just checked the both belts a couple weeks ago. The car just died and coasted on my two days ago, and both belts are missing. I'm hoping I have your good fortune of not having any head damage (or to have to replace too many valves). I'm sure I'll be on this forum around the clock this weekend.