Thread: 300Tdi throws timing belt - but why?

Originally Posted by camel_landy

When the TDi came out, there was a series of different mod kits to prevent this kind of failure. However, they eventually found that the fault was finally cured by reducing the tensioner torque setting.

M

and came out as a TSB, and so isn't in the manual.
In other words, the tension as set out in the manual is too high.....
If you have RAVE, you can find the TSB.

The best instructions I've ever seen, including the correct tensions are here
DIFFLOCK - 300tdi Timing Belt Change

yep,, tension is covered in the post
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/common-thr...ming-belt.html

in-- wait for it--

Common Threads,,


who'd a thunk it?

Taz's brotherinlaw here. Thanks for all the replies guys. Maybe it was belt tension. I had it set to 14Nm, the lower value for a new belt according to the manual. At the time, I thought 11NM was for a old belt. Will try 11Nm next go.

Valves looked ok, but I got the inlet valves replaced anyway and the head serviced while I was at it. I won't bother next time. $560 to service the head with 4 valves at M&D.

The 4 inlet pushrods were bent and will be replaced.

Didn't hear any noises coming from the timing belt during running - but I was moving along at 100 clicks.

Rick130's pic of the crankshaft sprocket looked the same as mine.

When I fit the new belt, I'm going to try running it for a short time without the timing cover and watch the belt tracking. I need the piece of mind. I'll have to fit the crachshaft pulley on to do so.

Thanks again.

I'll have to agree with loarangie on Zeus gears , they have too many failures with zeus gears which is blamed on a DIY installation ,but they themselves recommend DIY. if something as critical as a Timing Belt why suggest that in 1st place?

Originally Posted by Ivan

Bearmach do these kits. My local independent had always fitted the lr kit. When I asked him to get me the Bearmach he was really surprised at what you got. He now orders Bearmach kits for all his cambelt changes.

HTH

Ivan

I'm a bit far from Bedfordshire, although i did live in Milton Keynes for a spell - why i dont know .

Originally Posted by Disco_owner

I'll have to agree with loarangie on Zeus gears , they have too many failures with zeus gears which is blamed on a DIY installation ,but they themselves recommend DIY. if something as critical as a Timing Belt why suggest that in 1st place?

A great pity with the Zeus gears, I have driven a few and they do go well, and almost zero smoke etc. but the conseqences of a failure are catastrophic. I don't recommend them.
It was A great idea and the kit is engineered well though. I've fitted them too and can't help thinking that DIY isn't a good idea if someone with limited aptitude and knowledge gets let loose with a socket set and toolbox....


JC

Yep

Had the same problem. Have had my 97 300TDI since new, and let L/R dealer do the first timing belt change etc. Turned out they fitted the new kit, with the revised tensioner and idler pulley, but not the crank pulley. (Spot welded type) (Unknown to me, was told new kit fitted all okay.) Time went past and snapp....suffered similar loss, bent pushrods, and two rockers. I think I ordered a replacement kit from British4wd which included a one solid piece crank cog/pulley.

Originally Posted by JohnM

Yep

Had the same problem. Have had my 97 300TDI since new, and let L/R dealer do the first timing belt change etc. Turned out they fitted the new kit, with the revised tensioner and idler pulley, but not the crank pulley. (Spot welded type) (Unknown to me, was told new kit fitted all okay.) Time went past and snapp....suffered similar loss, bent pushrods, and two rockers. I think I ordered a replacement kit from British4wd which included a one solid piece crank cog/pulley.

the spot welded flange crank pulley is the genuine LR kit.
The solid design is a Bearmach (aftermarket) one.