timing belt for polo

[triplej3]

iv been searching the forum for more info tho i carnt seem to find what im looking for. so iv been getting quotes to get all belts including timing belt, pulleys, water pump replaced however iv been told a couple of times now i need to replace the vvt chain and solenoid too? i carnt see a chain anywhere on the engine (2010 polo gti 9n, 1.8t bjx 20v)

am i getting my chain pulled? -.-

[simon k]

yeah, that's bullsh*t... they may be looking at yours as a 2010 model and thinking it's the next model up

the cam chain is at the opposite end of the head to the timing belt so isn't disturbed when doing the belt etc.

Here's a pic so you know what you're looking at. The cam belt goes around the big pulley 19, the VVT control valve and chain is at 3 and 6

[triplej3]

hey simon

each and every place iv called has asked for my rego plate, so they can look the car up its listed as a 9N model. two places suggested replace the vvt chain and solenoid aswell so im asuming they mean vct chain and solenoid"shrugs"

i was under the impression i just needed all my belts, plus timing belt, pulleys, water pump and thermostat

[sambb]

Like Simon said the VVT is variable cam timing. That chain is inside the cam cover on the passenger side of the engine. The only reason you'd look at that is if you're getting codes to the effect that cam phasing isn't reaching its setpoints etc. It has nothing to do with doing a timing belt at its service interval. It isn't considered a 'consumable' or 'service' part like a timing belt is so shouldn't even be considered in the same conversation unless it came up if you'd said you wanted your timing chain done - ours is a timing belt so that may have got them thinking you wanted the cam chain done as well?
Yeah to do the timing belt you'll need belt, hydraulic damper, tensioner and water pump. The first three will be in a kit but you should order the water pump too. A lot of garages are funny with you providing the parts (eg belt fails because it was a defective china kit yet they get the blame type scenario) so will insist on ordering the correct kit themselves which is why they'd want your VIN. Again not sure why a rego plate is needed unless again there was a mix up over what they were actually asking for.

[triplej3]

thanks sam really helpful stuff. i reakon they ask for rego plate number, punch it into vicroads and it gives all the details for a quote

oh the best part too, quotes

[sambb]

yep good system if that's how they do it. Easier than rattling off an entire VIN number I guess.

[seangti]

Yup, you only need the belt, hydraulic damper, tensioner and water pump as Sam said. It's pretty straight forward should you wish to DIY. Just mark up everything and off you go. Last kit I bought about 5yrs was like $350 odd. A mechanic mate did the job and I watched, along with back flushing coolant and radiator, etc, whilst it's all accessible.

[triplej3]

my diy is terrible sean =p