Hi, I shall shortly be starting the cambelt etc. change on my BDG engine, for my first time, as the dealer wanted £1550 to do all belts (including auxilliary belts) and tensioners, water pump and thermostat. The last cambelt and water pump change were 50k miles and 5 years ago, so probably time. To be honest I'm not particularly looking forward to it but what could possibly go wrong??? First question in reading through ELSA manual and various forums is - where is the hole for the crankshaft locking tool? ELSA shows a view but not big enough to show overall context. Also any short list of potential problems that I shall have to anticipate will be very welcome. Much obliged.

Have you had a price from a good VAG independent?

 

With with this engine there are also complications re the diesel pump although access is good once the front bumper/rad is removed and the air con swung out of the way. Overall not an easy job though:-

 

 

 

The hole is in the side of the block on the right side as you look at the engine. You also need the cam plates. Also need VCDS to set the fuel pump timing. 

Thanks for these replies and the link to the other thread, useful information.

I shall be changing the water pump but the workshop manual says nothing about using a sealant in addition to the gasket, to seal the pump housing. Should I bolt this up dry, after thoroughly cleaning the gasket mating surfaces?

I got a price for this whole job (including the auxilliary belts for the alternator and the air-con) of £1500 from Skoda franchised dealer and over £1000 from a VAG independant, hence the desire to do this myself (being retired I have plenty of time!).

At definitely known 50k and 5 years, I would first open the timing belt cover from the top and check belt condition and whether tensioner marks line up. If belt looks pristine and marks line up to within +-1mm, I would just leave the belts as they are.

 

5 year interval is Skoda UK invention, belts are rated at 120kkm/75k miles.

If you do decide to replace the belts, after so many years chances are that you need to also replace all rollers, the airco v belt tensioner and whatever else makes bearing noise, and of course both v-belts too.