VW A3: 2.0L ABA Timing belt Part 1 (with commentary)

[@byondvision]

Most underrated camera setup of any youtube mechanic. How u achieve a perfect point of view while working is amazing and great lighting. Been watching ur vids for years. Every time I need to do something on my VW mk3/4, first I sit down, smoke a doobie n watch your tutorials 😆 a gotta do my belt this week👍

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching! Send me your mailing address and I'll send you some of my channel stickers. Click the fkh161 link in the description, then click tool request to send me the info.

[@michaelshone2465]

You knew that job so well you could have done it with your eyes closed! Well done! So many useful little tips and tricks. This will really help someone out I bet

[@EXOVCDS]

+Michael Shone Thanks... time will tell.

[@MrG9002]

Excellent educational video. Thank you very much sir! Doing the timing belt on my sons Golf. Much like yourself very surprised to see the original belt on at 143,000km. Also the rotor was out of position, possibly slipped a tooth on the belt. Could have been going down the road to a big problem. Part 2 coming up.

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@stuzman52]

Very useful tips on the the timing belt change and love the commentary. Onward to part 2...

[@masonpugh3637]

Great video very in debt of how to my Mark 3,5 $195,000 miles Cabrio thank you for educating me more informative

[@EXOVCDS]

Technically it's still a 3rd generation Cabrio... with a face-lift. =)

[@evenstevenmotodrone735]

That MC Hammer dancing 🕺🏻🔨 was the best, Hammer Time

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@BackCountryWrenching]

this is where a hoist makes things so much easier instead of lying on the ground using jack stands

[@EXOVCDS]

+Bullshitkorner Yup... I don't even like lying on my creeper, I don't know how guys do it day in day out!

[@crimpcreep6887]

Learning on ground under car is best way! Appreciate the hoist, when it comes your way. I do it on the ground, in °115 heat.

[@BrastonCarter]

Amazing explanation

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you for watching!

[@BrastonCarter]

@@EXOVCDS your welcome u do amazing work brother, also question what if the crankshaft sprocket don’t line up with the mark on the flywheel?

[@EXOVCDS]

@user-dg2se7rx3p If the tdc notch in the crank pulley does not line up with the TDC mark on the cover... when the tdc mark at the flywheel is lined up with the TDC mark of the transmission... the it is possible that the crank gear is loose / has a worn alignment key (due to a loose crankshaft bolt). Like in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZDFmYWko9-AjbMsi

[@rivmchl]

Do you recommend replacing the crank bolt? If so where can I get one the quickest?

[@EXOVCDS]

19mm crank bolt always needs to be replaced after it has been removed. You only need to remove it if you are removing the crank gear to change the seal. Local parts store, VW dealership, online parts store?

[@wyattoneable]

I don't drive a VW but a TDI is on my list someday. If I get a used one I'll have these videos to come back to in case I need to do some work on it. :)

[@EXOVCDS]

Stick with the older models... mk3 / mk4.

[@katrinaweber5774]

get an MK1 rabbit and put a VR6 in it! :D

[@kluwe801]

Good Job Thomas

[@EXOVCDS]

Thank you.

[@kluwe801]

Thomas EXOVCDS quick question Thomas, I picked up a 2.0L ABA over the weekend. It has 187k should I start considering timing belt service soon?

[@kluwe801]

Thomas EXOVCDS your welcome Thomas

[@EXOVCDS]

@@kluwe801 depends on when it was replaced the last time. If no service history is available, plan to do it sooner than later. These engines can bend valves when the belt breaks... old belts can look OK but can fail at any time.

[@kluwe801]

@@EXOVCDS very true Thomas thank you again cheers.

[@NiiCo415]

Great job! Question though…. How do you keep the cam and crank from moving when replacing the belt and tensioner?

[@EXOVCDS]

The cam usually doesn't move. Before removing the belt, mark one of the crank gear teeth and a matching place at the engine behind the gear. That way you can see if the crank moved. It's best to rely on the TDC marks... the cam gear has one and there's one at the transmission tdc hole / window. Once the new belt is on.... rotate the crankshaft 2 turns and check that the tdc marks line up again. If yes, job done. If not, reposition as needed.

[@NiiCo415]

@@EXOVCDS awesome! Thank you!

[@felixsantos3435]

Great job explaining..thank you!

[@EXOVCDS]

Kind of you to say, thank you!

[@ChrisHsuCars]

On these cars, should the waterpump be changed and the can seal too? Also, the tensioner thing (not the pulley) should that also be done while you’re doing the belt?

[@EXOVCDS]

The water pump can be changed without having to touch the timing belt. Changing the cam, crank & intermediate shaft seals is a good idea, but not needed if they look good. Timing belt tensioner always gets replaced when a new belt is installed. The more you replace, the fewer times you will have to go back in there at a later date.

[@Kydroshooter]

do you happen to have a video on hydraulic lifters for a mk3 2.0l jetta I have to replace them but have bo clue as how to het to them

[@EXOVCDS]

kydroshooter I have a video for a 1.8l... the 2.0 is exactly the same except for the intake manifold. Watch this to give you an idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3zaiHZ3obOFosk I have a video for 2.0l valve cover gasket removal... follow that to remove the intake. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqHUipmijMx2fKc

[@sniperpaintcorrection]

Can turning the belt (top pulley) by hand damaged anything inside the engine? A friend was turning with some force to see if the belt was chewed up . Which it was. But I’m hoping nothing is bent or damaged. I have a 95 mk3 cabrio

[@EXOVCDS]

The belt can skip if the engine is turned by the camshaft bolt. It is best to turn the engine via the 19mm crankshaft bolt. These engines can bend valves when cam / crank timing is too far out.

[@sniperpaintcorrection]

@@EXOVCDS yes we were cranking the engine by key to see if the rotor would get spark ..I think the belt did do some jumping . Hoping. I didn’t damage anything

[@sniperpaintcorrection]

Motor mount needs to be removed to remove timing belt? I have my belt off but it seems wrapped around a mount. Also my tensioner can’t come out to replace cause of this mount

[@EXOVCDS]

No, not on Mk3 / VW A3 engines... as you can see in the video. What engine are you working on? Which model car?

[@sniperpaintcorrection]

@@EXOVCDS 95 VW cabrio mk3 2.0 engine . ABA?

[@EXOVCDS]

95 Cab should be the same as in this video. Engine mount is at the back. Post a video on your channel so that I can see.

[@EXOVCDS]

@sniperpaintcorrection6790 Sorry, my bad. Yes, the cabrio has a " support mount"... it can be removed easily. 17mm bolt and the 2 6mm allen head bolts that mount the bracket to the block.

[@sniperpaintcorrection]

@@EXOVCDS I posted a short video

[@normansmith7806]

Great part 1 Thomas ! I wonder if Steve Rob is awake yet 😁

[@EXOVCDS]

+N Smith Beauty sleep is usually a minimum of 12 hrs!

[@Badgertronix]

+Thomas EXOVCDS a few more hours needed after the cricket bat got to him.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Ok buddy that was scary . Part two tomorrow , beddy bye time. Cheers.

[@EXOVCDS]

+STEVE ROB Ok... you go get your beauty sleep! LOL

[@alexmecklenburg9671]

What years did the single roller tensioner come on?

[@EXOVCDS]

The simple design / roller was used in all engines before 1995 (1996 there was a switch over to the thermo tensioner design). So if you are looking to order the old style tensioner / roller, look for it using 1995 or earlier "year of vehicle info). Don't forget to also order the old style stud for the tensioner / roller. It's a thicker stud. Tensioner / roller and stud can be found here: www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Jetta_III--2.0/Engine/Timing/2

[@odellaudio2810]

Hey love your videos helped me fix my car like 3 times now quick question I put s new timing belt on amf was wandering if the timing belt tensioner is supposed to move its making noise

[@odellaudio2810]

And smoking

[@EXOVCDS]

Tensioner is supposed to rotate yes.. if it's not turning, the belt is slipping on the pulley / roller and will get damaged.

[@EXOVCDS]

AMF is a PD TDI yes? Tensioner roller should rotate! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZPLdIWoYq1lr9k

[@odellaudio2810]

Yeah I think it recently stopped moving and snapped my last belt thanks so much looks like I need a new timing belt tensioner thanks man.

[@odellaudio2810]

I have a mk3 aba 2.0

[@carlosbarajas1797]

Thomas exovcds good morning I got this problem with my car I rebuilt the motor at home after I put everything together I set the time as you show in this video but when I go and put the key 🔑 and try to started the car those anything, battery is new you got any idea what could be the problem. Thank you

[@EXOVCDS]

If the starter is not turning, check the battery ground wire... it might not be connected at the engine / transmission.

[@carlosbarajas1797]

@@EXOVCDS I will check on that tomorrow morning thanks for the update .

[@carlosbarajas1797]

@Thomas exovcds Hi here I’m again I check for the ground cable N is connected to the transmission/motor but what it dose is when I put the key N open the switch it shot off don’t know why.

[@hydromuscle]

How did you get the transmission window off

[@EXOVCDS]

If you are talking about the round green plastic plug that you need to unscrew... you can get it unstuck by placing a long prybar against the edge of the plug and the hitting the end of the pry bar handle with a hammer. Hit / force the plug in a counterclockwise direction. It usually only takes a 1/4 to 1/2 turn until it is free enough to turn by hand.

[@hydromuscle]

@@EXOVCDS thank you. I’ll try that. Spent about 20 minutes trying to grab it with a pair of channel locks got nothing

[@EXOVCDS]

@@hydromuscle I've tried that before as well. Prybar works every time. If some of the plug chips, no big deal.

[@Dontbmaddcuzubadd]

Hey, what would I do to re time if the tensioner failed and the belt slipped off...cranked a few times before I realized what happened. Getting confused and don't want to mess it up more. Any help please and thanks!

[@EXOVCDS]

Year, make, model, engine?

[@Dontbmaddcuzubadd]

@@EXOVCDS 97 golf 2.0

[@EXOVCDS]

Remove belt. Turn the camshaft till the TDC mark on the cam gear lines up with the TDC mark on the plastic cover behind the gear. Turn the crankshaft to TDC... align the crankshaft TDC mark on the flywheel / torque converter with the transmission TDC mark. Remove the distributor cap. Turn the rotor until the middle tip of the rotor is pointing at the line / notch in the distributor housing. Remove dust cover under rotor if you can't see the little line / notch. Put belt on cam gear, intermediate gear, crankshaft and then the tensioner. Tension belt (use old style tensioner & stud... not the thermal tensioner version).rotate crankshaft 2 turns until cam gear TDC mark lines up again. Check crank tdc mark and distributor rotor. If all are good... assemble rest and see how she runs. If she runs rough, one or more valves are bent.

[@Dontbmaddcuzubadd]

@EXOVCDS appreciate it man!!! Didn't know if it was that easy or not...my first time doing timing work. Have yourself a great weekend!

[@EXOVCDS]

Post pictures on your channel via community post... so that I can see if TDC alignment is correct.

[@SasukeGarage55]

I have a question do you really need a tensioner roller?

[@EXOVCDS]

You mean replace it at the same time or not use one at all?

[@EXOVCDS]

For the timing belt or the serpentine belt?

[@SasukeGarage55]

***** not to use it at all

[@SasukeGarage55]

+Thomas EXOVCDS the part you remove a 7:40

[@EXOVCDS]

+Sasuke Uchiha Yes... you need it. How else is the belt going to get tensioned?

[@armandomaya7146]

sorry you have the complete diagram of the electric system of this jetta a3 2.0 1993 I ask your allude since there was a short in my car and I need to change the wiring and the diagram I do not have it

[@EXOVCDS]

Armando Maya I have for 2.0L ABA North American engine. I don't know if it is the same for your engine.

[@EXOVCDS]

Wiring diagram for just the engine or also for the interior?

[@armandomaya7146]

it's for the engine and the interior

[@armandomaya7146]

if it is american jetta a3 2.0 1993 and I see your video is the same machine all the components are hygienic and as those diagrams do not have them they want to change it more sensillo and the berdad this car is beautiful I like it like this I do not want to change anything for that I took the liberty to ask your allude in the complete diagrams of all the engine system and interios of the car but they do not have and they do not understand, thank you for tomato the hassle of answering

[@EXOVCDS]

+Armando Maya I'm not at home right now... I'll look for diagrams when I'm at home later today.

[@katrinaweber5774]

hey was wondering if you have a video which includes how you remove the crankshaft bolt?? need to replace my keyway (hoping it didn't bend valves but most likely did), and not sure how to remove bolt from without crankshaft spinning?

[@EXOVCDS]

What year car? Engine?

[@katrinaweber5774]

1996 vw jetta 2.0

[@EXOVCDS]

I have a couple of different tools that hold the crankshaft sprocket while trying to remove the bolt. If you have an impact gun, you don't need the tool. If you use the tool, you need 2 large pry bars to remove the bolt. One to hold the tool, the other to remove the bolt. www.tomorrowstechnician.com/wp-content/uploads/Articles/02_01_2010/71317pSPToolscu_00000029342.jpg

[@EXOVCDS]

The tool needs to be used when tightening the sprocket, to ensure that the crankshaft does not rotate. Only loosen or tighten the crank bolt while the timing belt is still in place... that way, if the crankshaft happens to move a little, the camshaft will also move. If your belt is broken, remove as is. Install a new sprocket, put the belt back on and see how she runs. Worst case, the crankshaft is worn where the key is and you will need a crankshaft as well.

[@katrinaweber5774]

yeah i have a big air compressor and impact gun but no 12 pt 19mm socket that fits over the crank bolt, time to invest in one!

[@MikeSmith-yb1oq]

dose anyone happen to know if camshaft follers are supposed to be stiff or have give to them?

[@EXOVCDS]

Stiff... if too soft, replace. The service manual shows how to push on them (while the camshaft is installed) to test them.

[@MikeSmith-yb1oq]

i can push down all but one with my thumb when installed..so i ordered another one thinking the stiff one was no good...and the new one i cant push down either...im going to order 7 more new ones..

[@EXOVCDS]

High rpm 2500+ for 10min can pump-up lazy lifters to the point of them being quiet again for a while. If they bleed down (get soft) quickly, they are worn out.

[@alanack67]

Plastic impellers on the OEM water pumps are known to sheer off and overheat the car. I would change the water pump the first time with the timing belt, then ever other timing belt. Always replace the tensioner with the OBD I style eccentric pulley

[@EXOVCDS]

If the pump is driven by the timing belt... it gets replaced with every timing belt.

[@alanack67]

The water pump is run off the V belt in this car...

[@EXOVCDS]

Alan Ackaway Yes, I know. I was just trying to make the point that I replace water pumps every time a timing belt is replaced, if the pump is driven by a timing belt. When it is not (such as in this video) I replace it when it is noisy or leaks... because it can be changed at any time without having to touch the timing belt.

[@alanack67]

You're absolutely correct, but I would like to change the plastic impeller style pump asap before it causes your car to die on the side of the road, Or worse destroy the engine. Once you have the updated pump its a good idea to change it every other timing belt, I do my T belts every 75K. (My 95 golf sport) An OEM pump is only 55$ from German auto parts, cheap insurance if you ask me. Im sure you as a professional technician will see that many people don't spent the money where they should. Its better to have it done there when its openee then have it die on the road +120$ tow then get it fixed

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Informative as always. On to Part 2.

[@toloamado9125]

no motor mount ?

[@EXOVCDS]

This Volkswagen A3 (mk3) does not have an engine mount that is in the way of the timing belt... the Cabrio has a little stabilizer mount that needs to be removed first. The main engine mount is at the rear of the engine.

[@ryanpaul6352]

Is this a 97

[@EXOVCDS]

93 - 99 all the same.