Recent Feedback
how do i set timing on a 2001 vw jetta 2.0l. the belt seperated so its more than just a replacement?
Optional Information: 2001 Volkswagen jetta gls 2.0l sohc 4cyl Already Tried: the car started stumbling when I went from rev, to first gear in my driveway so I killed the ignition immediately hoping that I saved the engine from colliding, my hanes manual just says how to line up the sprockets for TDC to change the belt, however my belt has about a six inch section where the teeth completely seperated, I'm pretty sure it skipped timing, I have the car jacked and the engine already off its mounts and jack standed it, I tried to turn the cam gear to allign the marks for TDC and now its stuck, at aproximately 90 degrees clockwise and won't spin clockwise or counterclockwise anymore and I don't want to force it, in case a valve is hung, and the crank shaft is supposed to have a mark to line up with the lower cover but I can't find the mark on the pully, so right now I'm stuck, the belt is still on and I'm debating wether or not to just cut the belt completely off. since its out of timing anyways. what should I do?
The timing on this is fairly simple since you only need to time the crank and cam, the water pump does not need to be timed. Installe the lower part of the belt and install the cover you will need to at a minimum install the lower pulley and set up the crank at TDC, once this is done, you can turn the cam to TDC and then install the belt. There is also a rear crank mark, but it is very difficult to see at times, see the attached pictures.
Experience: VW Master Technician Certified for 9 years, ASE Master Technician Certified
So it would be ok to take the belt completely off and spin the crank and cam seperately? is there any specific direction that they must turn?
this engine will not hit valves, unless the engine was turning high rpms. Turn the engine by hand do not use the starter, it will be fine. The center crank is a 19 mm socket 12point. If you feel it bind do not force, turn the other way. There is always a chance that a valve got bent if it let go while you were driving at highway speeds. Now if you have a bent valve and force the engine you can further damage the piston or break off the valve, so when you do crank it will damage the block. Just becareful when turn by hand. Also the cam has a sensor wheel inside if it so be very careful when turn the can as not to damage the sensor wheel