Skip to main content

Timing belt replacement. How to replace easily without special tools on petrol and Diesel engines


Replacing timing belts or chains can be challenging to replace. Many of these look complicated to replace, especially on 16 valve variants. Many manuals recommend the use of timing lock kits. Most of the time these aren't needed for timing belt replacement. But are required when the belt has snapped causing internal engine damage.
Before you start it is paramount you establish if the engine has a floating crank pulley. Some ford petrol engines and Renault engines have these, so be aware. And can if not addressed cause catastrophic engine damage.
This is a guide and not vehicle specific so some variations may be found with different vehicles.
So to start. In most cases you will need to get to the timing belt or chain which means you will have to remove the air box, coolant header tank, and engine mount. Followed by the timing cover or casing. Removal of road wheel, wheel arch liner and engine cover will be necessary.
This is now where the interesting part starts. You will need by my recommendation a brightly coloured marker pen. Then complete the following.

  1. Mark the cam shaft pulley at the top clearly on the front face of toothed recess then along timing belt to the back plate. Also mark top of belt Top. This is a reference for yourself when replacing the new belt.
  2. Mark all other toothed pulleys the same including the crank pulley, irrespective of it being floating or not.
  3. If the engine has a floating crank you need to mark the flywheel the same. Some engines you may need to remove a flywheel cover. This gives you a reference mark when refitting new belt.
  4. Now simply remove belt and replace all guides, adjustment pulley and water pump if leaking or has a worn bearing.
  5. Take the old belt and place alongside the new belt, marking new belt exactly the same as the removed belt. This ensures once replaced all markings will be in exactly the same place from when it was removed. More importantly you will know it's fitted correctly and the timing will be perfect.
  6. Now refit timing belt and tension observing recommended tension procedures. Some vehicles like Volkswagen Diesel engines are very difficult to fit the new belt. This is easily resolved. Prior to fitting belt leave bottom guide off until the new belt is fitted. Then simply fit the replacement pulley and tension.
  7. Ensure all timing marking are correct. In the case of a floating crank pulley, refit pulley tightly. Then rotate engine two full crank shaft revolutions and check all timing marks match up. Only the pulley markings will marry up showing correct timing. All other markings need to be ignored.
  8. Simply rebuild in reverse order and test drive.
This guide can be used and or interpreted for most vehicles and engine types.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Change a Ford Focus Diesel Fuel Filter – Step by Step Guide

Keeping your Ford Focus diesel in top condition means staying on top of regular maintenance – and one of the most important service items is the fuel filter . Over time, your fuel filter collects dirt and debris from the fuel tank , and if it becomes clogged, you may notice poor performance, reduced fuel economy, or even engine starting issues. In this guide (and in the video below), I’ll show you exactly how to replace the fuel filter on a Ford Focus diesel with a clear, step-by-step process. Why Change Your Fuel Filter? A clean fuel filter ensures your engine gets the right amount of clean diesel fuel , helping it run smoothly and efficiently. Changing it regularly can: Improve fuel efficiency Prevent hard starting problems Protect your fuel injectors Reduce the risk of costly engine repairs Tools & Parts You’ll Need Replacement diesel fuel filter (make sure it’s the correct one for your Focus) Basic hand tools Gloves and safety glasses A container for any excess fuel ...

Ford Transit Radiator Replacement | Easy Step-by-Step DIY Guide. 2014 to 2020

 Learn how to replace the radiator on your Ford Transit with this clear, step-by-step guide. Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and mechanics, this video covers everything from removing the old radiator to installing the new one, along with essential tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re fixing overheating issues or upgrading your cooling system , this tutorial will help you get the job done quickly and safely. Suitable for Ford Transit models 2014–2020 .

Skoda 1.6 tdi timing tensioner failure Part one

This week was interesting. Having replaced this belt a couple of years ago on a Skoda Octavia 1.6 Diesel,the customer came in with a terrible noise. So it was time to investigate. As you can see from the pictures upon stripping it down I was horrified by what I saw. As you can clearly see the bearing as totally failed. It was surprising to know this car was actually running. Totally amazed that it was running.  You can see that the heat from the faulty bearing has over heated melting the plastic on the tensioner. Here you can see it after removal. The obvious thing to do now was replace the timing belt kit using the correct Volkswagen  locking tools to see how it runs. OK so I will put you out of suspense. The car runs but makes a terrible noise. So unfortunately for the customer the Skoda will be stripped for further investigation. I have no doubt there will be internal damage but I expected this anyway.  I will follow up with thi...