Timing belt and smoke

[crell]

Hi all! Needing a little hope and maybe some insight to a problem which is occurring under the bonnet.

Today I started the car and was met with a loud squelching noise for about 5-7 seconds coming from the engine. I turned off the car soon afterwards, didn’t drive it, and looked under the bonnet where I noticed a little smoke coming from the timing belt area. Gulp.

I did peak under the belt cover and it all looks intact but I’m obviously no expert, something is creating the smoke and the sound.

A little history: I bought this car with about 140k on it last year from a dealer, it’s had some engine work done on it including warranty job relating to the notorious CFCA issues by the previous owner. I can see some dated parts from 2016 but not sure if that would have included a new timing belt. I recently had the DSG serviced and my mechanic said to get the belt done soon since it was overdue. I ignorantly thought the belt had been done by previous owner since they got the car serviced at VW.

The car is booked in for an inspection next week but I’m concerned that I shouldn’t be driving it all, the mechanics is about 10 mins away. What do you guys think?

also, if it is “just” the timing belt, should I get water pump done at same time?

I have a 2010/11 bi-turbo Multivan

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Crell,

If it can be first established whether it is the multi ribbed v belt for a accessories ( alternator etc) or the actual timing belt. The screeching sound might be the multi ripped belt, which would be a better outcome and need changing and possibly the idler pulley (s).

A timing belt is in my view not going to exhibit a screeching noise. If it it was to jump a few teeth, it would potentially damage engine quickly. If you suspect it is this, don't start or drive it; get it transported to a service place. Typically a water pump is changed at the time of a timing belt, tensioner etc change whilst pulled down.

Hopefully it is just the multi ribbed belt!

All the best.

Scott.

[BrianJ]

Hi Crell,

If it can be first established whether it is the multi ribbed v belt for a accessories ( alternator etc) or the actual timing belt. The screeching sound might be the multi ripped belt, which would be a better outcome and need changing and possibly the idler pulley (s).

A timing belt is in my view not going to exhibit a screeching noise. If it it was to jump a few teeth, it would potentially damage engine quickly. If you suspect it is this, don't start or drive it; get it transported to a service place. Typically a water pump is changed at the time of a timing belt, tensioner etc change whilst pulled down.

Hopefully it is just the multi ribbed belt!

All the best.

Scott.

I agree with this post and would add that if this is one of the 2L engines where a kit must be added to prevent the accessories belt from flying into the cam belt if it breaks and making the cam belt come off its gears, then I would check the accessories belt thoroughly before driving, in case it is ready to snap.

[crell]

I agree with this post and would add that if this is one of the 2L engines where a kit must be added to prevent the accessories belt from flying into the cam belt if it breaks and making the cam belt come off its gears, then I would check the accessories belt thoroughly before driving, in case it is ready to snap.

Thanks you guys, I spoke with an RACV technician over the phone and from how I described it he was certain it was the above mentioned belt. I had it towed to the mechanics, let’s see what they find.