Timing belt change

Hi,

I was wondering if someone could give me the answer to a quick question. Im about to change the cam belt, and all the posts tell me that i need to get the TDC etc lined up whilst doing it. However my timing is fine, so am i being stupid or can i just mark up all the cams etc that the belt goes around, loosen the tensioner, take the belt off, slip the new one on and re-tighten ? Obviously making certain that nothing has moved in the process ?

Advice much apreicated,

Ali

ps im thinking of going to this VW world meet at Esher on the weekend, but its for air-cooled specifically, if i turn up in the drop top golf will i be chased out by an angry mob with pitch forks ? 

you can indeed, but why not use the marks vw have provided?

coupel other tips ive read, tipex belt and sprockets, make same marks on new belt.

cut belt in half all the way round so it holds pulleys, slip new belt on then cut whats left of old belt off.

all the above seem like a fair bit of hassle compared to turn engine to tdc and just swap belts if you ask me though

Jonny, that is some great advice, the one about splitting the old one in half is einstien stuff. Thanks ever so much.

Will use all your advice however, i think its a serious case of be safe rather than sorry !

peace

no worries! main thing when belt is off watch dizzy like a hawk as it will spin freely, cam and crank are too stiff to move unless you want them to, but intermediate shaft sprocket will spin very easy