Hey guys,

 

The timing belt on my Octavia is gonna need doing soon and I wondered if anyone has done this DIY or best left to a garage? If you've done it, how difficult would you say the job is?

 

Also, is it ok to use belts/pumps etc made by a reputable company like Gates or is that a no go?

 

Cheers

Vijay

 

 

@Vijay2018 - You can DIY in principal, but you need a means of supporting the engine since you need to remove an engine mount, and it's best practice to electronically time in the new belt once the engine's running which means VCDS or a dealership computer.

 

Yes, use a Gates or similar belt kit, and the reason for changing the water pump is that its effective life in a petrol engine is about 1.5 cambelt changes, so you save on labour.

You can get genuine belt kit off ebay (derby based dealership I believe) for £93 plus genuine waterpump for £50

On 03/02/2020 at 14:02, Simeon85 said:

You can get genuine belt kit off ebay (derby based dealership I believe) for £93 plus genuine waterpump for £50

 

Cheers. You don't have a link to the seller by any chance do you?

On 03/02/2020 at 10:33, KenONeill said:

@Vijay2018 - You can DIY in principal, but you need a means of supporting the engine since you need to remove an engine mount, and it's best practice to electronically time in the new belt once the engine's running which means VCDS or a dealership computer.

 

Yes, use a Gates or similar belt kit, and the reason for changing the water pump is that its effective life in a petrol engine is about 1.5 cambelt changes, so you save on labour.

 

Supporting the engine would be no issues, got a couple of jacks and plenty of axle stands if that would work. My mate has VCDS.

 

I was advised to get a full kit, timing belt, pump, and I believe tensioners?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141449035468

 

Check with them that it's the right kit of course. Same seller has the water pump. 

15 hours ago, Simeon85 said:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141449035468

 

Check with them that it's the right kit of course. Same seller has the water pump. 

 

Thank you so much, just messaged him with all my car details

Any idea where I can find my engine number?

2 hours ago, Vijay2018 said:

Any idea where I can find my engine number?

 

Scrap that, it's on the V5C

Hey guys,

How time fly's!!! Can't believe it's 5 years ago since I was looking for my timing belt to be done!!!!!!!!

Just wondered what the correct schedule for the timing belt/kit to be done? on a 1.9 ASV engine?

Cheers

Vijay

Are you aware that Skoda no longer mandates a 5-year cam belt change interval?

Hi,

Not sure what you mean? surely it has to be done at certain intervals?

Not according to Skoda, they changed their cam belt change interval, to align with the rest of the world, some years ago - unless the vehicle is operating in 'dust-rich' environment - which the UK is not.

AFAIK, belt change intervals are now somewhere around 120-140K miles.

I didn't know that. What about the other parts that go with it though, pump and tensioners etc? Isn't it just safe to get it all done?

It's your money - current recommendation is for a visual inspection annually.

There are many references on the Forum regarding cam belt servicing.