Gti6 Cambelt Loosened Itself?

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Removed my cam cover earlier to check an oil leak which suddenly became a minor concern when I noticed my cambelt felt loose and I noticed the tensioner not quite in the position I expected.

 

I've one of the later plastic tensioner setups and I remember when it was fitted the chap mentioning the nick where the pointer passes is an indication of tightness.

 

 

That's where mine currently sits. It appears to have moved from what I remember it being when fitted. The belt itself feels loose. For what it's worth I've never looked behind the cover since I've run the car a few K ago so I've no idea how long it's been like this!

 

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Well turning the engine over by hand moves the marker so I don't think I should be worrying about that line not meeting

 

My next observation is that now I've turned it over the belt is tighter. Should the belt tension differ dependant on where it sits?

Edited July 9, 2013 by chipstick

[welshpug 1,657]

it will due to the nature of having a camshaft especially one with double springs.

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

That's a fair comment. Happy to be a retard and learn

 

Initially I thought it was game over so I'm rather relieved anyway

[welshpug 1,657]

it is partly the reason why the earlier solid steel tensioner is preferred by many, and why the interval is shorter and failures more common on them than most similar engines.

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Agreed. Personally I used this kit because it was offered new in the packaging for a cracking price and I've only done

A few K in a couple of years and it will probably be done next year anyway. I will be going for a 136 tooth belt next time for piece of mind. The carriers need sealing by the looks of it and I may as well consider some different cams at the same time. Beyond my ability and confidence so I will be requiring the services of a 'local' specialist should you know any Mei

[welshpug 1,657]

hmm, I think sandy's quite booked up