Morning all,

My Octy Vrs is in to have it's timing belt changed (thanks to the post who said it needed changing every 4 years or 120k miles as of May 2006, as mine is 5.5 years old with 70k). The garage said it was on it's last legs so good job it's getting done. The problem is they can't get the belt off :eek: due to the hydraulic tensioner not moving at all. Has anyone experience this problem and know of a solution ? The lad who's working on this has said if it don't move the belt can't be changed :( and I don't fancy a new engine in it when it pops.

Other than that, anyone want to buy a 2001 Vrs

Cheers

you should be able to squeeze the tensioner with some water pump pliers

also i would just cut the belt off

Cut the belt :eek: Surely if the belt is cut, and the tensioner still won't move then the new belt will not go back on.

The safest amount of force has been used so far, so as not to break anything while trying to move it. Was hoping that there was some know solution to this problem.

shouldn't you be replacing the tensioner as well?? it's normally the tensioners that cause the problems, and not the belt

The tensioners are supposed to be replaced with the belt, also a good idea to replace the water pump too. Has the garage you're using changed the belt on a VAG 1.8T before?

They are not a VAG garage, but do know a thing or two about motors. The owner has a Passat 1.8T so does know these engines quite well.

Belt and tensioner now off

Cheers for replies.

That doesnt inspire me with confidence!! Find a local VW specialist at least!

'We can't get the belt off Jim!!'

I would have thought that the tesioner would have a non return device built

in TBH.

I would have thought that the tesioner would have a non return device built

in TBH.

although it's been ages since i've tinkered with a 20v engine, iirc they are the same as the tensioners on the early 16v engines, they build up pressure like a hydraulic lifter whilst the engine is running using the oil pressure, then they remain stiff untill you squeeze them in a vice or similar

Belt and tensioner now off

Cheers for replies.

Don't forget the water pump!

Don't forget the water pump!

:iagree:

common faliure point

although it's been ages since i've tinkered with a 20v engine, iirc they are the same as the tensioners on the early 16v engines, they build up pressure like a hydraulic lifter whilst the engine is running using the oil pressure, then they remain stiff untill you squeeze them in a vice or similar

So, the fact that you need to squeeze it in a vice indicates that it has

some kind of non return mechanism. If it relied on oil pressure alone

the belt would be slack when not running.