OK I know this is bad but I wanted to ask forgiveness.....

 

Bought my FAB VRS in 2014 with 69K miles, it now has 156K and is still on the same Cam Belt!

 

Looking at the tensioner theidicator is about half an inch to the left of the cut out mark , belt feels tightish , teeth look intact with no fraying , I know the waterpump could let go and cause a catostrophic failure and I want to do the belt myself in Spring so am risking it atm for another few weeks ......

 

In my defence I treat the engine with respect , rarely go above 2K and only use her 4 days a week to do about 200 miles a week ,I luv the little FAB and think its a Cam belt and clutch change in spring the cam belt first then the clutch if I dont screw up the belt.

 

Am I alone in acting this reckjlessly with the faithful little fabby ?

 

 

Would be interesting to see what the torsion value is currently. VCDS measuring block 4, last field if I remember right.

 

Just make sure you get the right locking tools and right info before starting the cambelt job.

56 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Would be interesting to see what the torsion value is currently. VCDS measuring block 4, last field if I remember right.

 

Just make sure you get the right locking tools and right info before starting the cambelt job.

I picked up a cheap set of locking tools for my 1.9tdi off amazon. First belt I have done on a FWD. Had volvo940 for years before and was a bit worried it was going to be a huge job but not too bad  once you get started. Just make sure you use a decent belt/waterpump kit. I generally use gates and have done so for years. Change them every 50-60k . I followed Haynes for mine and it went very well. Have done 3 now with no problems. You may have to get a set of triple square spline bits . I got this set off amazon and so far been pretty good especially fo the price. Managed to get very rusted bearing bolts off without breaking them. 

Will take a look at the torsion value at the weekend and report back. I guess the tensioner is fixed ( locked in position) so cannot move but should it not be in the position of the cutout window? It's way off that which is disconcerting somewhat but belt cannot be twisted much so looks tight enough!

 

Yes I have a gates kit on the shelf with the locking bits , been there for at least 10 years in the garage soassume its ok to use still.

 

Going to be interesting doing the cambelt, like its open heart surgery, one wrong move and it could be curtains and i'll be crying shortly afterwards !

Edited 28 February, 20251 yr by cello