Timing Belt Change

Hi All,

My '91 Clipper needs a new water pump and the garage said maybe do timing belt at the same time but I checked on my previous service history on the car and the timing belt was replaced in 2017 at 63k and the car has only done 2k miles since then, should I just have the water pump replaced without changing the timing belt?
Also the alternator was replaced in 2017 so that should be all good.

Normally after how long should you change the timing belt?

 

Will be fine at 3yrs and 2k miles.

They are either trying it on, most unlike the motor trade but there you go….

or they if they are not au fait with older VW big block engines are thinking its like lots of more modern engines with the belt running the pump and replacing the pump involves removing the belt so you might as well swap it at the same time.

The water pump is on the front of the engine and is run from the alternator belt, the timing belt is no where near it so no need to touch it or change it.

It's only modern stuff that has a water pump buried in the engine which runs from the cam belt.

Make sure your garage gets the complete water pump with the housing as trying to split the water pump is a nightmare as 9 times out of 10 the bolts sheer off.

Avoid this type.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Water-Pump-Inc-Seals-Fits-VW-Golf-MK1-MK2-MK3-Audi-OE-037121005C-Febi-01286/173658985670?epid=25021696306&hash=item286ee1d4c6:g:pyEAAOSwJQBfPnkK

And get this type.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Water-Pump-Inc-Seal-Rings-Fits-VW-Golf-MK1-MK2-MK3-Audi-OE-037121010C-Febi-01287/173591356338?hash=item286ad9e3b2:g:9MgAAOSwLEtduFhM


Worth getting a new thermostat fitted as they are cheap.

It's up to you about changing the cam belt as it's your engine but I change mine every 6 years or 60,000 miles but I've see some people change there's every 4 years and 40,000 miles.

Oh come on, doing a water pump is but a 25 maybe 30 minute job, and doesn't require you to remove the timing belt…  4 bolts and it is off, well there are a few other things that have to be removed… but with my a/c car, I can remove everything in under an hour and have the pump and housing off the car and about 1 hour going back.

I did a how do I do that on it, including a power steering pump to get out of the way.

How I change out my Water Pump | Volkswagen Owners Club Forum

Easiest way I have found, and it have done this on Diesels as well as Gassers with and without power steering and or a/c.

wow… thats crazy price.. As mark posted and briano its a 1hr job  worst part is trying to fit old elbow to new pump house…  Ive got  the pump and elbow and thermostats somewhere… but its a job very do able on the drive if you think needs doing. Timig belt no need at all to do. Unless its been damaged by someone or something like contact with the gaurds.

www.kennysclassiccars.co.uk.