T4 TDI Woes

[Seano]

The current Autodata says
For 2.5TDI
Up to 1999 check the timing belt every 30,000km and replace t/b incl. tensioner at 120,000km
From 2000 check t/b at 60,000km and replace t/b incl. tensioner at 120,000km

Transporter...? As a mechanic....how does one 'check' a timing belt? Especially given how much of a palaver it is to even see the damn thing in the first place. Why yes that is indeed a timing belt!! Cheque?

Who writes these service things?? I'm looking at you, VW...

My service and parts counter at the VW dealer has few positive things to say about VW...certainly to me anyway. Though they still take their idea of service costs...

[Seano]

You know...I do have to wonder sometimes about the 'training' that VW gives our learned friends in the Dealer Service department.

Dropped the T4 off yesterday morning at 8am to get the two belts and water pump replaced. Spoke to them yesterday afternoon when they said would you mind us keeping it overnight because it is still in pieces...[no of course not because it's not like I can drive the sodding thing anyway] And it'll be ready to pick up around 10:30 tomorrow...and we'll even wash it.

Spool forward to today. As I write this at nigh on three in the afternoon it is still not finished - at least another hour. So I can kiss the wash good bye!!

It turns out that our learned friends have had the entire front of the car off - bull bar included. So it is no pfaffing wonder it's taking so bloody long. This is the vehicles third timing belt by my estimation and the second one done by these guys...but it has to be the first time that anyone has taken the entire front end off!!! Certainly has never ever ever taken this long....

Damn glad I got a quote.

[Sunny43.5]

There could be areason for the whole front off , maybe because it has abull bar they could not get access into the engine bay properly . As you may or may not know the front of the T4 actually tilts forward once you undo some bolts the front assembly can be lifted slightly and then it swings out at the top on special hinging pieces .

[Transporter]

It should take around 3.7 hours.

[Seano]

Further update. Picked the thing up. It had actually been washed. Quite well too. Charged the quoted figure of $1,288 or thereabouts. Ran sweetly all the way home.

So all good...

The stated reason that they'd removed the bar was to gain access to the fuel pump to redo the timing. They agreed they didn't really need to but it made access easier...the upshot is that neither of the blokes that worked on the car had done a T4 TDi belt kit before.

The only wrinkle was the cold starting experience this morning. It lacked fuel prime and wouldn't start first go. After a couple of boots it chugged to a beginning and then into a smooth idle - exactly like there was air in the system. I've had the same thing happen when changing a diesel fuel filter. I'll give them the benefit of doubt this first time but if it keeps happening then....

Oh and the other thing was that they 'thought' that VW had set timing belt swap intervals for all VW engines at 105,000 km. But they'd check for me. <sigh>

[Umai Naa!!]

The belt for the injector pump is a time-consuming job to do, as the pump timing needs to be spot-on. This involves a few VW-supplied tools and an accurate dial indicator. Then there's the belt and water pump to do.

It's not a job that needs to be rushed, that's for sure. We're already well aware of the damage a failed belt can do!

[Seano]

The belt for the injector pump is a time-consuming job to do, as the pump timing needs to be spot-on.

This I know because they've bollocksed it - cold start is terrible. Needs two to three boots before it strugglechugs to life and another few seconds to drop to a good idle.

So it's back to the shop I go...

Oh and they confirmed the 105K timing belt interval.

[jets]

It has been a couple of weeks since you reported your broken cambelt "tdi", any further news or solutions?

[jets]

This involves a few VW-supplied tools and an accurate dial indicator.

You shouldn't need a dial indicator to set the timing on the TDI, but you will need VagCom.

[jets]

They agreed they didn't really need to but it made access easier...the upshot is that neither of the blokes that worked on the car had done a T4 TDi belt kit before.

Lovely, do work experience on your van but charge full price as if they are experienced & still not get it right.