[apeto]

Hi there!!
I changed the timing belt on my Passat b5.5 and I adjusted the timing belt tensioner like is explained in the timing belt installation article.
The question is, after running the engine for a while, I noticed that the pointer is not between the marks, Is a bit more to the right, is this correct?
Thanks!

 

[chittychittybangbang]

This is fine. The varying pressures on the belt and temperature variation cause the pointer to move a little. If the pointer is in the middle after you tighten its nut with the timing belt at TDC it's correct. This is why it's supposed to be tightened at room temp and not on a hot engine. Even still, you've got to wonder about tension if it's done in the winter vs. the summer. Also make sure the tensioner tab is in its slot because this is something that many people overlook.

 

[apeto]

Thanks a lot!! I was worried becasue the pointer moved more to the right tightening more the belt and I thought that was wrong.
So when the engine is cold, do I see the pointer in the middle again?
Thanks again for your answer!!

 

[chittychittybangbang]

Not necessarily just a cold engine because the tension on the camshaft could tug a little if it was on the edge of moving it and the belt rested in a certain way. Later cars even had oval crank sprockets (yours is round).

If the engine was cold and at TDC then the pointer should be in the middle. If it was in the middle when you set it and tightened the nut I wouldn't fiddle with it more. I would inspect the position of the tab and check the camshaft timing (torsion value) with a VCDS.

 

[apeto]

Not necessarily just a cold engine because the tension on the camshaft could tug a little if it was on the edge of moving it and the belt rested in a certain way. Later cars even had oval crank sprockets (yours is round).

If the engine was cold and at TDC then the pointer should be in the middle. If it was in the middle when you set it and tightened the nut I wouldn't fiddle with it more. I would inspect the position of the tab and check the camshaft timing (torsion value) with a VCDS.

Excelent!! your explanation really helped me a lot.
I have to check the position, before the computer showed like 7 lts / 100kms of fuel consumption and now is like 12!! I think is retarded.
I will try tomorrow moving 1 degree and if nothing happens try to get a cable.