2.0 CR TDI Timing Belts... Volkswagen Timing Belts in general.

Hey everyone,

I'm sitting here writing this, and I'm so angry that I feel like steam is coming out of my ears. Could someone possibly explain to me how to adjust the camshaft timing on an EA189 engine? Specifically, which tooth engages with which?

It can't be serious that you have to mount and dismount the valve cover five times before finding the right position where the slot on the back of the camshaft is somewhat aligned with the edge of the cylinder head.


...which then leads me to a point of contention that has been ongoing for 20 years. What was going through the minds of those at Volkswagen when they were figuring out how to control and manipulate the timing of their engines?
Warum, muß die KW Ot Marke durch ein Loch in der Getriebeglocke erstmal unter Rost Freigelegt werden. Und warum ist es zwingend notwenig mindestens den Ventildeckel zu demontieren um die Steuerzeiten der Nocke zu kontrollieren. Kein anderer Großserienhersteller bricht sich dabei so einen ab wie der VAG Konzern.... Um den Kreis zu schließen, ich möchte nicht wissen wie viele 2.0 CR mit einer verstellten Nockenwelle durch die Gegend fahren. AnInstead of adding three detent balls to the mechanism from the factory, which would indicate where each tooth should align.

...the trick is probably similar to that used with 2.5-liter overhead cam engines: assemble the timing gears without the rocker arms first, and then set the timing marks yourself.

Just to give you an idea, I recently had a Opel 2.8 V6 Turbo in my shop that needed timing chain replacement. The owner couldn't find anyone willing to do the job. I had it scheduled for two days with a possible third day because the engine might need to be removed. It has three chains, four camshaft adjusters, balance shafts, and the oil pump – all connected under one cover. I've never done this before, and I didn't have any instructions for it. What can I say? Any mechanic should be able to do this with basic tools in a single day. The whole thing is designed according to the Poka Yoke principle; you simply can't assemble it incorrectly. Changing the timing belt on a TDI engine is less complicated than this.