Timing Belt and VVT for Dummies

[pierremcalpine]

Hi - just looking for a dumbed downed explanation in prep for an attempt at a timing belt change on my 2003 V40T T4 petrol.

I've been doing some reading on VVT and I think I understand that there are a couple of extra steps necessary when a timing belt change is done (tension of VVT must be released???). I just don't quite understand what the differences are and how this is achieved. In addition, I've read a couple of comments that suggest that cam belt locking tool is not needed or even compatible with engines with VVT...that really confused me. Also, none of the guides posted appear to make adjustments for VVT which has got me pretty confused. Am I just looking to make this job more complicated than it is?

[gazO2V40T4]

In my opinion it's a lot easier to use camshaft locking tools and with regards to the vvt pulley if it's working properly when you remove the cambelt with the cams lock the pulley should automatically spring anti clockwise about 1/8 th of a turn this must be turned back to its start position 1/8 th of a turn clockwise (cams must still be locked) before refitting the cambelt

Hope this helps

[gazO2V40T4]

This might help

http://youtu.be/5KsU7AmkXOU

[RichT4]

Just to add to this.... It might help!


I completed a Cam belt change on my V40 T4 a couple of months ago, This has been done without any of the special tools like Cam locking tools and a counter balance tool (as mentioned in the Haynes manual).

Counter balance tool, Part number: 9995433 Price: £24 - roughly



This will help you undo the Bottom Pulley bolt!

If however you don't have those tools, you can slide the replacement belt carefully over the bottom pulley being careful you don't turn it.

- Ensure that before you remove the existing belt that everything goes in time by turning the crankshaft before hand.

- Release the tension and take the belt off, place the new belt on working in an anti-clockwise motion up from the pulley.

Please only do the following at your own risk, this is a dangerous task to undertake as the sprockets are under pressure and could trap your fingers

AT THIS POINT ... I found it better to turn 'very slightly' the top sprockets out of time (BE CAREFUL AS THEY WILL PING EITHER WAY UNDER PRESSURE) this allows the new belt to slide on and tighten when you put the sprockets back in time.

It took me several attempts to get it done (with help from my friend) but once all was on, i tensioned it, turned over the crankshaft several times to ensure there was no massive pressure and that every several turns, the engine went back in time.



Thankfully mine has been done now, i was tempted MANY times to throw my wrench through the windscreen amongst cursing what felt like a million times.

I would strongly recommend you buy the correct tools:

Camshaft locking tool
Counter balance tool

Thus making the job 10 times easier and far quicker!

Good luck!

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by gazO2V40T4

This might help

http://youtu.be/5KsU7AmkXOU

Hmmm, something to think about...

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by gazO2V40T4

with regards to the vvt pulley if it's working properly when you remove the cambelt with the cams lock the pulley should automatically spring anti clockwise about 1/8 th of a turn this must be turned back to its start position 1/8 th of a turn clockwise (cams must still be locked) before refitting the cambelt

Hope this helps

That's the part I don't really follow. None of the guides indicate that vvt pulley needs to be turned back...In fact, none really mention the VVT pulley at all...how does one "turn it back?"

[pierremcalpine]

Ok, another elementary question which may clear things up for me a bit: is the VVT pulley the same as the intake cam pulley?

[gazO2V40T4]

If you watch the YouTube video the vvt pulley is the one you can see on the left cam when looking at the sprockets also if you watch the video you will see what I meant by turning back the vvt pulley

At the end of the day if you don't quite get the whole idea of it and you are not 100% confident take it to someone who does or it will end in tears

[magnuz]

The belt can be changed without using a locking tool. You just need to take a little more care. If you put marker paint on the pulleys before removing the belt to mark their exact position, then all you need to do is make sure they all line up exactly the same with the new belt on.
You don't need to worry about the VVT as long as all the paint marks are where they were when the old belt was on

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by gazO2V40T4

If you watch the YouTube video the vvt pulley is the one you can see on the left cam when looking at the sprockets also if you watch the video you will see what I meant by turning back the vvt pulley

At the end of the day if you don't quite get the whole idea of it and you are not 100% confident take it to someone who does or it will end in tears

The YouTube video just points me to a Halfords ad...I thought you were joking...