I have a Mk II 2.0 CR 140bhp diesel engine, and recently had my cam belt etc changed, using genuine Skoda parts, after 7 years/75,000kms. The engine has suddenly got noisier under load and the tickover uneven. Is there any way to check the cam belt tension without major dismantling?

There are gauges to check belt tension - there was one for the old Vauxhall derived Lotus engine.

Who would have one now and what specification/settings you would adjust it to would be problems to overcome.

Once adjusted correctly, the Lotus belt was pretty tight, I was just able to deflect it manually. 

That may give you an easier rule of thumb.

Thanks for your reply nickguzzi, but what I'm trying to find out is how much work is involved in actually getting to the camshaft drive belt so I can check it.

If you suspect the garage didn't do a proper job, have you spoken to them?

The garage could have got the timing slightly out hence the rough running. I would take it back and let them deal with it.

Thanks for both your replies.

 

The engine ran perfectly OK after the belt was changed several weeks ago, its only in the last week or so that it got noisier under load, and the tickover got lumpy. That's why I wondered if the tensioner had broken or something had come loose, and wanted to check before going back to the garage. Doesn't sound like that is possible, so I'll take it in to the garage for their opinion as soon as I can.

Dmf on the way out ...maybe?