1.4 Timing Belt Change

[Piddles]

I'm thinking of doing a DIY cambelt change on my 1.4 Polo.

Mechanically keen rather than proficient, but never done a cambelt before.

Anyone got any views or links to "How To"?

A forum search didn't come with much....

[Col]

What car is it, how old etc?

If it is an old 8v 1.4 6N polo, then that belt change is a nice easy one to learn on.

Only tip on that engine is to pay very careful attention to the TDC marker on the crank pulley as there are two, the more prominent one of the two is the WRONG one as I learnt much to my annoyance on the Wifes car a fair few years ago.

[albyone]

If you enjoy working on the car, I'd definitely recommend you do it. I did my first timing & cam belt change on my 1.4 16v and it was pretty straight forward - albeit a fairly big couple of days for me. If you have a rattle gun your ahead, without one (like I was) it is a struggle removing and replacing the main bolt off the crank - it needs to be pretty tight and access is limited.

Good luck,
Al

[Piddles]

Many thanks for your responses Guys.... and your encouragement!

I can't put it off any longer, so.....

I've found a guide for my engine - How to change/replace a cambelt/timing belt on a VW Volkswagen Polo 1.4 (BBY engine) - where it mentions two special tools (cam lock and crankshaft pulley counter-hold).

Are they really necessary, did you fabricate them, where can you get them from, etc.?

Many Thanks in anticipation

[Piddles]

Anyone?

[Alan G H]

Many thanks for your responses Guys.... and your encouragement!

I can't put it off any longer, so.....

I've found a guide for my engine - How to change/replace a cambelt/timing belt on a VW Volkswagen Polo 1.4 (BBY engine) - where it mentions two special tools (cam lock and crankshaft pulley counter-hold).

Are they really necessary, did you fabricate them, where can you get them from, etc.?

Many Thanks in anticipation

Try your local motor factors. One that I use hires out the tools if you buy the belt kit from them.

[guv.c]

I managed to lock the cam's by using two bolts of the exact right size of the locking holes, so they slide right into the holes on the housing. No need for the special locking tool. The bottom crank bolt was a pita without air tools. I managed to do it by making a V using two pieces of metal, with a bolt sticking out to hold the pulley while you turn the bolt. Dont turn the bolt without holding the pulley otherwise all the force goes onto the belt (new or old).

Other than that, its not too bad, quite fun.

[Alan G H]

I managed to lock the cam's by using two bolts of the exact right size of the locking holes, so they slide right into the holes on the housing. No need for the special locking tool. The bottom crank bolt was a pita without air tools. I managed to do it by making a V using two pieces of metal, with a bolt sticking out to hold the pulley while you turn the bolt. Dont turn the bolt without holding the pulley otherwise all the force goes onto the belt (new or old).

Other than that, its not too bad, quite fun.

Always loosen the crank pulley bolt before you lock the cams, and tighten it fully after you remove the locking pins in the cams, to ensure you don't strain the belt.

[Crasher]

And always fit a new bolt, they are one time only stretch bolts. One thing that may catch you out with this is most of the original bolts are 19-mm 12 point, the new ones are 21-mm 12 point.

[Piddles]

Done it.

I'm feeling soooo Moneysupermarket right now!

I got Genuine VW parts, the cam belt kit had everthing I needed. It all went amazing well following the above guide, no significant issues at all.

I spent more time fabricating the special tools taking your comments into account (next door has a little machine shop in his shed - I'll post some piccies later) than I did on changing the belt, so facturing in my time it would have been far, far more cost effective to take to the garage. But feeling of satisfaction......priceless!

Many Thanks to everyone above.