Hi,

My cam belt is due for change on my 1.6 2001 y reg Octavia Classic. Unfortunately I can't afford to pay a mechanic to replace it for me.

However I have a reasonable skill under the bonnet and have replaced cam belts before on other vehicles. I'm willing to give it a go.

Can anyone give me a guide to changing the belt as there are no Skoda manuals available and I'm reluctant to buy a Golf manual just for the engine.

I'm happy to change it at my own risk along with the tensioner and water pump but just need a point in the right direction.

Sorry for asking such a question with a low post count, I regularly lurk but my own expertise doesn't warrant regular posting.

Regards in advance

Daz

P.S. I've done a search but can't find the relevant info on Google and this site.

Can't any one assist with a guide to the foibles of a DIY VW engine cam belt change ???

Daz:)

The information is available in the Haynes Manual for the Golf at modest cost.

DGW,

Thanks for your help, I guess I'll buy and RTFM then!!! instead of asking a Skoda community.

I'll stick to lurking and not ask any more stupid Q's

Daz

Hey calm down.

A cambelt change isnt something I can just reel off in a post you know. There is a little more to it than that.

First of all what 1.6 engine do you have?

Please accept my apologies, I didn't mean my reply to come accross as stroppy, more tongue in cheek.

I appreciate its not a straight forward job but finances dictate that I must give it a go.

As far as I am aware I have the 1595 cc 75kw 1.6 engine.

Regards

Daz

We do try and help where practicable but your question requires a lengthy, detailed and accurate reply from someone with the necessary expertise and knowledge. There are 5 variations of the 1.6 engine fitted to the Octavia. The procedure for removal and refitting the timing belt takes up a full page in the Haynes Manual (including 2 illustrations), torque settings are on another page and, if you need to replace the timing belt tensioner and sprockets (probably unlikely), then another half page plus 3 photos are involved. Leaving aside issues of copyright, if any of the information posted is wrong you would not be best pleased.

I have a neighbour who is a very competent mechanically, but even so he managed somehow to fit the wrong timing belt to his Audi A4 1.8T. The subsequent top end rebuild involved replacing all 20 valves plus other parts, and of course the cambelt again. However the engine failed in a big way on its first long run - it had probably sustained bottom end damage too when the valves met the pistons - and he is now looking for a replacement.

Good sound advice that Denis. For the outlay of around £14 all of the information and more would be immediately to hand.

I have no doubt that Ross or another similarly experianced person could offer some specific tips and tricks if required but for the main the procedure should be followed from the book.