ok, i got a new timing belt today and i installed it using the article posted on this site. everything went together great and had no problems. untill a 1/2 hour of driving. the timing belt snaped in half out of no were. is there something i can do to the place that sold me this peice of sh!t belt or what? i know that everything i did was correct and there is no way that it was my doing by a poor install, i replaced the tensioner, the rollers, the waterpump, etc etc. please help me out becuase i am now a proud owner of a tdi with valves smashed into the piston heads!!!!!!!!!!! YAY......
Timing belt broke!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter VWFanatik
- Start date
MOGolf
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2001
- Location
- underneath something
- TDI
- 2001 Golf GLS TDI Reflex silver, rough road suspension and steel skid plate, 2004 Passat Variant, Candy White, rough road suspension and geared balanced shaft module, and much, much more. 2016 LR RR HSE TD6, 2019 Jaguar I-PACE
My guess would be "no recourse". They may replace the belt itself, but nothing more. Look at your receipt for warranty statement or disclaimer.
UHF
Veteran Member
Sorry to hear. Since you install, you may get screwed, sure hope not though.
car54
theGAME
that really sucks. I would LOVE to see some photos of how this belt broke. as others said, you have little to no way of getting compensated. Sorry for your misfortune.
Ok, I'll ask ... where did you purchase the parts, and were they OEM?
Oh, yeh ... did you inspect the tensioner afterwards and see if it had sprung loose or the tab slipped out of its groove? I had that happen to me while adjusting the tension on my belt. I had to bend the tab a little more to get satisfactory engagement in its mating hole. I hope this is not what happened to you during your test drive ... /images/graemlins/eek.gif
Oh, yeh ... did you inspect the tensioner afterwards and see if it had sprung loose or the tab slipped out of its groove? I had that happen to me while adjusting the tension on my belt. I had to bend the tab a little more to get satisfactory engagement in its mating hole. I hope this is not what happened to you during your test drive ... /images/graemlins/eek.gif
DougFromMaine
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2003
- Location
- Freeport, ME
- TDI
- '15 Golf Sportwagen TDI (Diesels but not TDIs: '82 VW Vanagon Wesfalia 1.6TD, '86 VW Transporter Single Cab 1.9TD)
Oh that sucks. That happened to a mechanic friend of mine - the belt didn't break, but for about 6 inches all the teeth were completely stripped off! He swears is was a defective belt, bought straight from the VW parts counter. However, as he installed it, he was his own warranty.
McBrew
Top Post Dawg
Wow... this has finally changed my mind. I have rebuilt Mercedes diesel engines. I've done timing chains on them, too. I've done all of my own service, in fact. However, there have been too many TDI timing belt disasters recently. From shadetree mechanics to professionals. I've only got 25k on my Golf now... but in about three years I'll be up for a timing belt. Hopefully, that's going to be the first time my car will be in a VW service bay. It takes a lot of $800 timing belt jobs to make up for a blown engine. I heard it here before... timing belts are going to be the death of most of our TDIs.
I'm sorry about what happened to your engine. Good luck getting everything back in working order. Please keep us informed if any new information comes to light.
I'm sorry about what happened to your engine. Good luck getting everything back in working order. Please keep us informed if any new information comes to light.
tdipoet
Top Post Dawg
i don't believe that. for every botched timing belt job you hear there are many, many more that go just fine. how many people post that they did a timing belt, and all went as planned? but the second there's a problem, you can bet people will be wanting to vent or discuss it.
if there's a problem at all, it seems to be more a problem of people not knowing the procedure than it does the cars or the belts themselves. this is the very first time i've heard of a belt snapping so soon after a job.
if there's a problem at all, it seems to be more a problem of people not knowing the procedure than it does the cars or the belts themselves. this is the very first time i've heard of a belt snapping so soon after a job.
GeWilli
Top Post Dawg
[ QUOTE ]
VWFanatik said:
ok, i got a new timing belt today and i installed it using the article posted on this site. everything went together great and had no problems. untill a 1/2 hour of driving. the timing belt snaped in half out of no were. is there something i can do to the place that sold me this peice of sh!t belt or what? i know that everything i did was correct and there is no way that it was my doing by a poor install, i replaced the tensioner, the rollers, the waterpump, etc etc. please help me out becuase i am now a proud owner of a tdi with valves smashed into the piston heads!!!!!!!!!!! YAY......
[/ QUOTE ]
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
But if so said story is true, its too bad, sorry for your problems, - and you only have the mechanic to blame. The Timing belt procedure really is pretty much fool proof. BUT only fool proof if the mechanic following it has advanced level mechanical skills to base the instructions on...
BTW what year is this TDI? and what is the mileage you are at now?
VWFanatik said:
ok, i got a new timing belt today and i installed it using the article posted on this site. everything went together great and had no problems. untill a 1/2 hour of driving. the timing belt snaped in half out of no were. is there something i can do to the place that sold me this peice of sh!t belt or what? i know that everything i did was correct and there is no way that it was my doing by a poor install, i replaced the tensioner, the rollers, the waterpump, etc etc. please help me out becuase i am now a proud owner of a tdi with valves smashed into the piston heads!!!!!!!!!!! YAY......
[/ QUOTE ]
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
But if so said story is true, its too bad, sorry for your problems, - and you only have the mechanic to blame. The Timing belt procedure really is pretty much fool proof. BUT only fool proof if the mechanic following it has advanced level mechanical skills to base the instructions on...
BTW what year is this TDI? and what is the mileage you are at now?
Drivbiwire
Zehntes Jahr der Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 1998
- Location
- Boise, Idaho
- TDI
- 2013 Passat TDI, Newmar Ventana 8.3L ISC 3945, 2016 E250 BT, 2000 Jetta TDI
Timing belts just don't snap....
Get pictures of the timing belt, and tensioner before anything is taken apart.
I am willing to bet you did not install the belt correctly and something let go...milions of these are on the road and to date NOT ONCE has ANY belt ever just "Snapped".
Belts are superior to chains in every regard, not only smoother but in terms of fewer wearable items in the motor.
Chains WILL snap, belts stretch to the point that the car won't run very well and performance drops off.
In the last year new belts that have been installed have only had one failure due to installation technique. The others that failed were because critical parts were not replaced or due to a water pump failure in the case of an A4 TDI.
It's not the design thats flawed.
Post some info and pictures and we can figure out what went wrong.
DB
Get pictures of the timing belt, and tensioner before anything is taken apart.
I am willing to bet you did not install the belt correctly and something let go...milions of these are on the road and to date NOT ONCE has ANY belt ever just "Snapped".
Belts are superior to chains in every regard, not only smoother but in terms of fewer wearable items in the motor.
Chains WILL snap, belts stretch to the point that the car won't run very well and performance drops off.
In the last year new belts that have been installed have only had one failure due to installation technique. The others that failed were because critical parts were not replaced or due to a water pump failure in the case of an A4 TDI.
It's not the design thats flawed.
Post some info and pictures and we can figure out what went wrong.
DB
I am sure that belts are better in many respects than chains, but I think you have reversed some failure modes. Chains will stretch, but belts will not. Or at least they stretch very little.
I agree that a newly installed belt is highly unlikely to fail catastrophically in such a short time unless 1) the installation was incorrect, or 2) there was a failure of a related or nearby part, either from installation problems or from unrelated issues. The third and most unlikely cause is a manufacturing defect in the belt itself.
Edit: I think chains are less likely to fail catastrohically without giving lots of advance signs. They are more likely to stretch and make noise or throw timing off so much that the driver notices something wrong before they fail. Timing belts are more likely to fail without obvious warning signs, unless you consider ignoring the replacement schedule a warning sign.
I agree that a newly installed belt is highly unlikely to fail catastrophically in such a short time unless 1) the installation was incorrect, or 2) there was a failure of a related or nearby part, either from installation problems or from unrelated issues. The third and most unlikely cause is a manufacturing defect in the belt itself.
Edit: I think chains are less likely to fail catastrohically without giving lots of advance signs. They are more likely to stretch and make noise or throw timing off so much that the driver notices something wrong before they fail. Timing belts are more likely to fail without obvious warning signs, unless you consider ignoring the replacement schedule a warning sign.
McBrew
Top Post Dawg
Hmmmm... maybe I'm paranoid. I worked on diesel Mercedes for do long that I'm used to the reliability of their chains. The only ones they ever had a problem with were on the early 3.8 V8 gas engines that had the "single" chain. My '83 300D had 410k miles on the chain when I sold it. Still has it, and runs great!
I'll have to see if my nerves calm down in the next two or three years. Maybe I'll do the TB myself... we'll see. Unfortunately, that means I'll also have to do my brother's TB, since he puts almost exactly the same miles on his '03 Golf. /images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I'll have to see if my nerves calm down in the next two or three years. Maybe I'll do the TB myself... we'll see. Unfortunately, that means I'll also have to do my brother's TB, since he puts almost exactly the same miles on his '03 Golf. /images/graemlins/crazy.gif
It's kind of funny. I applauded when motorcycle makers started using belts instead of chains to drive the wheel (of course my BMW has neither), but I have mixed feelings about using belts instead of chains for timing drives on car engines (probably more accurately called "camshaft-drive" instead of "timing" belts).
Drivbiwire
Zehntes Jahr der Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 13, 1998
- Location
- Boise, Idaho
- TDI
- 2013 Passat TDI, Newmar Ventana 8.3L ISC 3945, 2016 E250 BT, 2000 Jetta TDI
My dad had an MB chain let go at 170,000 miles a new engine later he is back on the road.
The issue with chains is you need to replace all the sprockets and guides which is seldom if ever done. You never get the accuracy back thats needed for an engine like the TDI to get perfect timing.
Belts do stretch but I agree no where near as much as a steel chain will. TDI's do suffer power loss but the funny part is that it's only evident AFTER the new belt is installed and the driver takes a spin and realizes what he/she has been missing.
The other thing that I find that makes this nearly impossible to happen is that the belts are cut from "lots" and if there was a defect it would have manifested itself in other belts from the same lot.
The new belts are all sealed and date stamped with a "Use by date". I think VW/Gates have the belts pretty well figured out in terms of quality and longevity.
My vote would be for a Gear drive system (V10 TDI) followed by the belt and chain only on an engine that I do not intend to keep for more than 300,000 miles.
Back to the topic:
-Suspect failure of installer to install the new belt
-Sustect possible failure of another component ie water pump or improper tensioner install.
DB
The issue with chains is you need to replace all the sprockets and guides which is seldom if ever done. You never get the accuracy back thats needed for an engine like the TDI to get perfect timing.
Belts do stretch but I agree no where near as much as a steel chain will. TDI's do suffer power loss but the funny part is that it's only evident AFTER the new belt is installed and the driver takes a spin and realizes what he/she has been missing.
The other thing that I find that makes this nearly impossible to happen is that the belts are cut from "lots" and if there was a defect it would have manifested itself in other belts from the same lot.
The new belts are all sealed and date stamped with a "Use by date". I think VW/Gates have the belts pretty well figured out in terms of quality and longevity.
My vote would be for a Gear drive system (V10 TDI) followed by the belt and chain only on an engine that I do not intend to keep for more than 300,000 miles.
Back to the topic:
-Suspect failure of installer to install the new belt
-Sustect possible failure of another component ie water pump or improper tensioner install.
DB
MITBeta
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2001
- Location
- Boston's Metro South-West
- TDI
- 2001 Jetta TDI, 2004 Sprinter CDI Passenger (Mid/High), former: 1996 Passat TDI Variant
[ QUOTE ]
Hopefully, that's going to be the first time my car will be in a VW service bay. It takes a lot of $800 timing belt jobs to make up for a blown engine. I heard it here before... timing belts are going to be the death of most of our TDIs.
[/ QUOTE ]
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right? /images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Hopefully, that's going to be the first time my car will be in a VW service bay. It takes a lot of $800 timing belt jobs to make up for a blown engine. I heard it here before... timing belts are going to be the death of most of our TDIs.
[/ QUOTE ]
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right? /images/graemlins/laugh.gif
McBrew
Top Post Dawg
[ QUOTE ]
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right?
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, kinda, yeah. Geez... I wish you could just take a VW to the dealership and have routine maint. done right. Is that too much to ask??? Timing belt done right, put in the right oil, know the difference between a bad MAF and a blown turbo. Too bad mechanics aren't elected to work at the dealerships. I know a few of you guys I'd vote for!
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right?
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, kinda, yeah. Geez... I wish you could just take a VW to the dealership and have routine maint. done right. Is that too much to ask??? Timing belt done right, put in the right oil, know the difference between a bad MAF and a blown turbo. Too bad mechanics aren't elected to work at the dealerships. I know a few of you guys I'd vote for!
[ QUOTE ]
GeWilli said:
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
[/ QUOTE ]
I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. I'm guessing:
Original timing belt goes beyond service life...
Original timing belt fails, valve train destroyed...
Owner gets bright idea...
Owner puts on new timing belt after modifying with a knife...
Owner cranks engine enough to put minimal wear on belt as it breaks...
Owner tries to stick VW with new engine because "new" timing belt breaks.
I hate to sound so cynical, and if I'm dead wrong, I will apologize. But....
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and holding. /images/graemlins/eek.gif
GeWilli said:
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
[/ QUOTE ]
I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. I'm guessing:
Original timing belt goes beyond service life...
Original timing belt fails, valve train destroyed...
Owner gets bright idea...
Owner puts on new timing belt after modifying with a knife...
Owner cranks engine enough to put minimal wear on belt as it breaks...
Owner tries to stick VW with new engine because "new" timing belt breaks.
I hate to sound so cynical, and if I'm dead wrong, I will apologize. But....
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and holding. /images/graemlins/eek.gif
ok. so heres the run down. i got the car towed to my house and as i said, the timing belt broke right in half. it looks like it ripped appart. i bout a new oem tensioner from VW and it was put in right. the car ran great!!!!! i went down to the place were i got the belt (not oem) and they looked at it and sait holy sh!t!!!!!! they examined it more and called me back and they determined that the belt had a defect so right now i am waiting for them to make up their mind about how they want to help me. they said they will either pay for all the work that needed to be done or they will pay for a new engine!!!!!!!!!! im happy about this. i will post pics later.
about one of they replys about a waterpump. i had a new one put it. and the plastic impeller broke on the shaft after only 300mi. so yesterday i put another new pump in and a new timingbelt alont with all the other good stuff.
about one of they replys about a waterpump. i had a new one put it. and the plastic impeller broke on the shaft after only 300mi. so yesterday i put another new pump in and a new timingbelt alont with all the other good stuff.
car54
theGAME
[ QUOTE ]
McBrew said:
[ QUOTE ]
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right?
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, kinda, yeah. Geez... I wish you could just take a VW to the dealership and have routine maint. done right. Is that too much to ask??? Timing belt done right, put in the right oil, know the difference between a bad MAF and a blown turbo. Too bad mechanics aren't elected to work at the dealerships. I know a few of you guys I'd vote for!
[/ QUOTE ]
ive done 170 this year, and not one has EVER failed.
Millions take to the road every day and some die in accidents.. are you gonna quit driving?
A properly replaced timing belt will not just break. Never has happened.. I really suspect incorrect installation, or as pointed out by some, maybe this is a total fabrication? /images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
McBrew said:
[ QUOTE ]
So you'd rather overpay for a job that likely won't be done quite right so that if the workmanship is poor and something goes wrong you'll have some recourse? Did I get that right?
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, kinda, yeah. Geez... I wish you could just take a VW to the dealership and have routine maint. done right. Is that too much to ask??? Timing belt done right, put in the right oil, know the difference between a bad MAF and a blown turbo. Too bad mechanics aren't elected to work at the dealerships. I know a few of you guys I'd vote for!
[/ QUOTE ]
ive done 170 this year, and not one has EVER failed.
Millions take to the road every day and some die in accidents.. are you gonna quit driving?
A properly replaced timing belt will not just break. Never has happened.. I really suspect incorrect installation, or as pointed out by some, maybe this is a total fabrication? /images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
concours
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2001
- Location
- Kensington, NH
- TDI
- 2006.6 Jetta GLS 5 speed 125,000 miles, 2001.5 Jetta GLS 5-speed, Tornado Red, Monsoon w/CD changer
Take the new engine offer.
rotarykid
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
- TDI
- 1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
Was it over tentioned ? What does the tentioner look like ? Was the tentioner spring ankored properally ? What year car , what kind of car ??
Really sorry /images/graemlins/frown.gif /images/graemlins/frown.gif
Really sorry /images/graemlins/frown.gif /images/graemlins/frown.gif
heres the pics. the quality is really bad becuase i did not have my digi cam. had to use some stupid "Pen Cam" thing.
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322715 [/image]
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322718 [/image]
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322720 [/image]
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322715 [/image]
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322718 [/image]
[image] http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=322720 [/image]
[ QUOTE ]
Was it over tentioned ? What does the tentioner look like ? Was the tentioner spring ankored properally ? What year car , what kind of car ??
[/ QUOTE ]
it weas not overtensioned, the tensioner was brand new i bought it the yesterday, the sping was cool, it was put in its slot, it did not pop out. and i have a
1999 1.9L Golf TDI w/ 79k on it
Was it over tentioned ? What does the tentioner look like ? Was the tentioner spring ankored properally ? What year car , what kind of car ??
[/ QUOTE ]
it weas not overtensioned, the tensioner was brand new i bought it the yesterday, the sping was cool, it was put in its slot, it did not pop out. and i have a
1999 1.9L Golf TDI w/ 79k on it
[ QUOTE ]
K5ING said:
[ QUOTE ]
GeWilli said:
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
[/ QUOTE ]
I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. I'm guessing:
Original timing belt goes beyond service life...
Original timing belt fails, valve train destroyed...
Owner gets bright idea...
Owner puts on new timing belt after modifying with a knife...
Owner cranks engine enough to put minimal wear on belt as it breaks...
Owner tries to stick VW with new engine because "new" timing belt breaks.
I hate to sound so cynical, and if I'm dead wrong, I will apologize. But....
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and holding. /images/graemlins/eek.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
OK, SOME MAJOR THINGS NEED TO BE CLEARED UP HERE.
Firsto off, i didtnt buy my car from a VW dealership. I bought it from a privatly owned used car dealership. i had a 60 day, 3000mi warenty. the waterpump went, and they fixed it. they never replaced the belt or tensioner. the water pump broke again becuase it was the cheap one w/ the plastic impeler, the impeller was just slipping on the shaft. so now im out of warenty. so i go buy a waterpump, tensioner, and timing belt yesterday (only the tensioner was bought at VW). i put everything in using the guide on this forum under the articles section and everything went in smoothly. it ran great. then the belt broke as you can see i poseted pics above for all you that think im making up some kind of sick story. so no, im not blaming this on VW becuase i only got the tensioner there. i got it the belt from cmi. they are taking care of this for me so now dose everyone get the picture?
K5ING said:
[ QUOTE ]
GeWilli said:
Couple things i'd like clarified before panic ensues...
if you look back at this thread: you'll see the comment about "the water pump was just replaced. " by VWfanatik and that was August. Now its september and the timing belt was replaced? I'm skeptical.
[/ QUOTE ]
I hate to say it, but that was my first thought too. I'm guessing:
Original timing belt goes beyond service life...
Original timing belt fails, valve train destroyed...
Owner gets bright idea...
Owner puts on new timing belt after modifying with a knife...
Owner cranks engine enough to put minimal wear on belt as it breaks...
Owner tries to stick VW with new engine because "new" timing belt breaks.
I hate to sound so cynical, and if I'm dead wrong, I will apologize. But....
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and holding. /images/graemlins/eek.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
OK, SOME MAJOR THINGS NEED TO BE CLEARED UP HERE.
Firsto off, i didtnt buy my car from a VW dealership. I bought it from a privatly owned used car dealership. i had a 60 day, 3000mi warenty. the waterpump went, and they fixed it. they never replaced the belt or tensioner. the water pump broke again becuase it was the cheap one w/ the plastic impeler, the impeller was just slipping on the shaft. so now im out of warenty. so i go buy a waterpump, tensioner, and timing belt yesterday (only the tensioner was bought at VW). i put everything in using the guide on this forum under the articles section and everything went in smoothly. it ran great. then the belt broke as you can see i poseted pics above for all you that think im making up some kind of sick story. so no, im not blaming this on VW becuase i only got the tensioner there. i got it the belt from cmi. they are taking care of this for me so now dose everyone get the picture?
Sun Baked GL
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2000
- Location
- Furnace Valley, AZ
[ QUOTE ]
VWFanatik said:
i went down to the place were i got the belt (not oem) and they looked at it and sait holy sh!t!!!!!! they examined it more and called me back and they determined that the belt had a defect so right now i am waiting for them to make up their mind about how they want to help me. they said they will either pay for all the work that needed to be done or they will pay for a new engine!!!!!!!!!! im happy about this. i will post pics later.
[/ QUOTE ]
I thought the only timing belts for the TDI were OEM belts... /images/graemlins/confused.gif
VWFanatik said:
i went down to the place were i got the belt (not oem) and they looked at it and sait holy sh!t!!!!!! they examined it more and called me back and they determined that the belt had a defect so right now i am waiting for them to make up their mind about how they want to help me. they said they will either pay for all the work that needed to be done or they will pay for a new engine!!!!!!!!!! im happy about this. i will post pics later.
[/ QUOTE ]
I thought the only timing belts for the TDI were OEM belts... /images/graemlins/confused.gif
Birdman
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Apr 7, 1999
- Location
- Near Hagerstown MD.
- TDI
- Jetta 2001 Died by Truck one snowy day. Jetta 2003
ANYTHING can just break, May be just a fluke WHY all the grief giving to this guy. This forum is about helping not blaming the guy. Give HIM the benefit of doubt and not his mechanical abilities. Just maybe this is something new and his is the first. Have him send it to some one with a microscope and take a look at it then start slamming him. And i believe the 80k belt on my car was made by Continental not gates wonder what brand and type this one was. EDIT Car 54 while i have had work done by you and would again don't throw stones I have seen one car you did with the intercooler hose blown off before the guy got home. Like I said ANYTHING can Break AND anyone can make a mistake.
[ QUOTE ]
Birdman said:
ANYTHING can just break, May be just a fluke WHY all the grief giving to this guy. This forum is about helping not blaming the guy. Give HIM the benefit of doubt and not his mechanical abilities. Just maybe this is something new and his is the first. Have him send it to some one with a microscope and take a look at it then start slamming him. Like I said ANYTHING can Break AND anyone can make a mistake.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks Birdman, well said.
VWFanatik, good to hear they are working with you.
Birdman said:
ANYTHING can just break, May be just a fluke WHY all the grief giving to this guy. This forum is about helping not blaming the guy. Give HIM the benefit of doubt and not his mechanical abilities. Just maybe this is something new and his is the first. Have him send it to some one with a microscope and take a look at it then start slamming him. Like I said ANYTHING can Break AND anyone can make a mistake.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks Birdman, well said.
VWFanatik, good to hear they are working with you.
AndyBees
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- May 27, 2003
- Location
- Southeast Kentucky
- TDI
- Silver 2003 Jetta TDI, Silver 2000 Jetta TDI (sold), '84 Vanagon with '02 ALH engine
I changed my TB over the weekend (84,471 miles). It looked very good and was a continental. The new belt is also a continental (same numbers) ..... runs great!
AndyBees
AndyBees
All right, VWFanatik, I'm offering you a formal and public apology for my earlier post, and also apologize to GeWilli for using his quote which may, or may not have reflected his intent. Accusing someone of being a bad mechanic is one thing, but accusing someone of intentional sabotage, especially before seeing pictures and hearing more details, was out of line. Again, I apologize.
Your tale of woe did sound fishy, however, especially when taking into consideration the other thread where you talked about your water pump and overheating problems. I can't think of any competent mechanic replacing the water pump and not the timing belt if it was anywhere near it's replacement time. But come to think of it, I know few competent mechanics to begin with.
This is exactly the reason I have professional shops replace my timing belts. You may have messed up somewhere, or you may have done it perfectly, but if something happens, you have no recourse. Yes, I hate paying between $500 and $700 for timing belt and water pump replacement (I'm having it done as I type this in fact), but I also can't afford a new engine in the event of a case like yours. Call it extra insurance.
That said, I offer a bit of advice. You mentioned in your other thread that you wanted to see how fast your TDI could go, and you got it up to 120mph before "freaking out". TDI's can cruise at 90 all day, but taking it up to 120 is asking a bit much for the engine and related parts. These cars are meant for good fuel economy and longevity, not racing and high speed runs. I don't even know how you got it to 120...didn't think TDI's did much over 100, but they weren't meant for that high of speed. No doubt that some will argue with that statement, but I can tell you that I drive no more than 5 over the limit on the highway, and see the proof whenever I look at my odometer.
I wish you luck with your engine and hope that everything comes out in your favor.
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and climbing! /images/graemlins/eek.gif
Your tale of woe did sound fishy, however, especially when taking into consideration the other thread where you talked about your water pump and overheating problems. I can't think of any competent mechanic replacing the water pump and not the timing belt if it was anywhere near it's replacement time. But come to think of it, I know few competent mechanics to begin with.
This is exactly the reason I have professional shops replace my timing belts. You may have messed up somewhere, or you may have done it perfectly, but if something happens, you have no recourse. Yes, I hate paying between $500 and $700 for timing belt and water pump replacement (I'm having it done as I type this in fact), but I also can't afford a new engine in the event of a case like yours. Call it extra insurance.
That said, I offer a bit of advice. You mentioned in your other thread that you wanted to see how fast your TDI could go, and you got it up to 120mph before "freaking out". TDI's can cruise at 90 all day, but taking it up to 120 is asking a bit much for the engine and related parts. These cars are meant for good fuel economy and longevity, not racing and high speed runs. I don't even know how you got it to 120...didn't think TDI's did much over 100, but they weren't meant for that high of speed. No doubt that some will argue with that statement, but I can tell you that I drive no more than 5 over the limit on the highway, and see the proof whenever I look at my odometer.
I wish you luck with your engine and hope that everything comes out in your favor.
Jeff in Texas
Silver 2001 Golf GL TDI 5-speed
221,400 miles since 5/1/01 and climbing! /images/graemlins/eek.gif