Do You NEED a CamShaft Lock When Replacing a Timing Belt

Do You NEED a CamShaft Lock When Replacing a Timing Belt? When replacing a VW TDI Timing belt, do you need to use the proper tools? Well I have 2 answers for this question. There is the "proper way" and the "Flat Rate" way.

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[garrion]

Have just successfully replaced the cam belt on my Tiguan after watching your video, using your method of marking the belt and no pins. Thanks very much indeed it was a considerable saving in time.

[peanutbutterisfu]

Even if you are replacing the cam or cam sprocket you still dont need the tools u just get it at tdc with the flywheel lined up and slide a piece of angle iron in the back of the camshaft to lock it in, use a drill bit for the injection pump.

[lkaefotodesign]

Got 3.6 l 06 caddy took rje cjains off. Without lockingcam down and took Putnam and replaced phaser put back together on all timing marks and tried to start and still outof time then I realised that I need a lock tool canhow do I get in time? If not in time now cuz it wasn't locked whem I took apart and still out of time a tool wont do much good holding a out of time engine so how do I get it to time now

[petecurran]

I had this notion of painting/praying and great to hear from you that it's a worker.
Taking the front of the car off 'for fun' so I can give the a/c system a good check over, as well.
Top banana, Charles! 👍🏻

[MegaCbrrider]

I plan on using the lock tools either way on my 2020 jetta. My question is can I still mark and pray method on the 1.4 vvt setup? I was told I have to loosen the cams to remove and install but I don't know if I believe all that. I will use the tools to verify my work but what are your thoughts?

[rhkips]

I've never run across a belt/chain setup that absolutely required a locking tool, though I've heard rumors there are a couple of weird things out there that require absolute precision. For the most part though, take your time, double-triple check everything, and rotate the engine several times by hand (once isn't enough!) once everything is back together just to make 110% sure. :)

[mk_ultrarunner]

Wish you had a diagram of this. Of course I have a B8 V6 TFSI. So I suppose I have to lock at least the cam. The crank will be next to impossible to lock without removing the engine.

[jokjoksson]

Please do a video showing your method!

[AdelJeffreyJeffreysAuto]

Hey Charles love your video man. the wife's got 1999 B5 passat got the 1.8 non turbo with automatic . the issue is the car whem you give it full throttle it bog down for a secound then take off! also sometimes it accelerate unintentionly. i began suspecting MAF and TPS is there in clues wana throw in? mind that there is no CEL on the dash. thanks in advance.

[phmaximus]

I don't understand how a locking tool is beneficial on a typical Japanese DOHC even when doing the cam seals?
providing the timing marks on the crank-block and timing gear-gear line up its all good right, so been that the cam gear only fits one way on the cam (keyed) how could you get it wrong? if its one tooth off all 3 marks are not going to line up so it will be obvious and the only other thing would be getting the ignition timing 180 out, but I think you would notice if the crank or cam gears turned 180 during disassembly.

[tge]

Chevy 3.4, forgot to tdc and mark and removed the tensioner, can't turn much at all, didn't see belt or cams move, but acts like did. Thinking turning all 5 until tdc and 50/50 back and forth the cams until I can measure and guess center the cams in a theoretical closed on 1 and 2. Wondering if it'll measure different for intake and exhaust valves though. I really don't wanna rent tools and align that way unless it's all a guessing game. Info please..

[virtisconsole]

Great video Charles, and I totally agree that marking is fine for someone with your skills, but my skills are not as fine as yours I’ve maybe done a few timing belts and chain jobs.. and I’ve always locked everything.. I do have a question really for anyone that has experience.. so I’m planning on doing my belt on my TDI ‘13 sportwagen CJAA and I’m gonna do all the components, should I also do the front crank and cam seals? My question is do people proactively replace those even with no evidence of leaking? Just looking for advice here. And Charles on those MK6 Jetta frames do you remove the motor mount on timing belt jobs or do you work around the mount knowing how difficult it is with the tensioner? Thanks… I enjoy your tutorials on VAG DIYs 👍🏻

[wysetech]

It takes a real technician to do a job more than one way. I have done dozens of timing belts on several brands and have done them with and without locking tools. I find that the tool makes the job easier sometimes but not any more accurate.

[albik]

In cars where toothed belt pulley has woodruff key you can depend on own marks. On VW (V6/V8) where pulley sits on cone, misalignment is more probable if someone take off pulley from camshaft.
Greeting from Europe.

[lenwitte]

I used the mark method on my 2.0 AZG engine and after 1, 500 miles it is running fine. I was worried about the tentioner but it has not budged from where I left it.

[guytribbg]

Question, just did a Tbelt an assorted kit 06 1.9 TDI BEW.. follow directions perfect. Car was in no run condition prior. After install, pointer moved out of gap, did 2 rotation and all. Confused. Blowing pipes off backside of TURBO, still no start...ideas?

[Dicer]

I love your videos, though I'm not sure why I watch them as I am an E46-guy myself.

[panzerveps]

If you got an old valve lying around, you can use it instead of the cam lock.
Same diameter.
I use the locking tools each and every time, and I've never messed up so far.

[CSXT]

Agreed.. After just buying this Volvo 2.5t and reading the forums, these Volvo people so paranoid they had ME scared to death to walk past the car after reading a thread (they tend to rush EVERYTHING to the dealer~i.e. timing belt needs locks and a software download~)...again, like you I've always done the mark method (w/o marks) and will continue to do so. For a first timer with a hint of doubt, ABSOLUTELY!!! Lock the cams!

[lemmykilmister]

2 cut down six inch nails pinned the cam and HPFP on my CRBC. Didn't need anything for the crank other than Tipex.