Our water pump failed so we got the timing belt replaced at the same time, obvs. Just noticed that it doesn't have a cover, and neither of us can recall if it had one before it went into the garage. So my query is, should we have one? Apparently (or so we have been told), some models don't have them... Your thoughts on this will be much appreciated, thanks.

Hello, welcome to the forum.

I'm pretty certain there should always be a cam belt cover fitted.

Can you post your engine code (can be found as 3 or 4 letters at start of engine number on V5 doc) 

The mention of replacing cam belt at the same time as the water pump was changed suggests a TDI - is that right?

Edited 21 February, 20251 yr by Warrior193
added information

Thanks for your reply. 

Engine code is DFGAA

 

According to VAG website, your engine is EA288, DFGA. All images I see have the cam belt covered. A strong probability that your belt cover was not refitted during the recent replacement - very suspicious if they didn't mention its absence during the work. 

Any chance you're looking at the auxiliary belt thinking it's the timing belt?

Thanks for your reply, Warrior193.

 

Possibly, Breezy Pete? I'll see if I can find an exploded diagram to further my education...

And sorry, Yes its TDi

 

Easy to tell the difference between belts - timing belt has toothed segments on underside; Aux belt has multiple Vs.

Pretty sure almost all modern engines have covered timing belts. If it is the timing belt then you need it rectified.

13 hours ago, HTKP said:

I'll see if I can find an exploded diagram to further my education...

Just post a decent picture of the belt you can see. 

 

Someone will tell you if its the timing belt or not

The top part has a cover but not the bottom part, which is easily seen when the wheel arch liner is removed, VW probably thought the liner is a good enough cover

Timing belt covers for a DFGA engine shown here.

Appears to consist of three sections, see image in link. No part number shown for item 1a, so maybe just two parts for the engine codes shown.

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/skoda/CZ/SUP/851/1/109/109065

Edited 22 February, 20251 yr by Breezy_Pete