Timing Belt DIY - any tips

[Black66]

Hi,

As my newly acquired ed30 is approaching 8 years old, and for piece of mind I think it should have it's second timing belt around now.
I've just done a belt/water pump/tensioners on my mk4 1.8T that I am about to sell and was wondering if it is easier / the same / more complex.

Found this guide which looks OK:
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135872

Any other tips?
What else to replace when I'm in there?
Genuine parts only?
Do mk5 water pumps have plastic or metal impellers?

Cheers

[Black66]

Anyone?

[dazza]

Ive recently done my cambelt you also should change the waterpump some of the engine mount bolts will also need replacing.

I used genuine parts. I also replaced the main stat as the car was not getting up to temp.

[TyGTI]

When I did mine it wasn't too much of an effort.

I used genuine parts from TPS, the water pump impeller was metal iirc

You have to jack the drivers side of the engine up quite a lot to get the emgine mount bolts out, my only tip is to jack up the drivers side hub to help relieve some of the stress on the driveshaft... Apart from that it's fairly straight forward :)

[waj27]

Trying to do this my self too any things to look out for?

[Ricky123]

Not a bad job if your mechanically minded. I'd support the engine with a trolley jack so you have the option to move it up or down when trying to get the engine mount off.

I bought a continental cambelt kit when doing mine. I believe they make the oem belt and it was cheaper than what TPS wanted for a original one.

I did replace the water pump with an original one from TPS, there is a surcharge if you don't give them your old water pump.

Remember to replace the engine mounting bolts too. New bolts and pump from TPS came to £44.95 in total without the surcharge.

Oh and my water pump had plastic impeller, I believe all original ones do, I was told a while back why not to use ones with a metal impeller but I can't remember the reason. I'd personally just Stick with genuine when it comes to the pump but that's just me.

[biffobear]

Quite easy, just make sure all timing marks line up, put a dab of paint on them. Hardest part is getting the engine mount out.

[xjay1337]

Issue with metal impeller water pump is when the seize instead of breaking the impellor it can cause massive engine damage elsewhere
plastic shatters
metal doesn't.