on 5/17/2000 1:50 AM, John Dorn at jrdorn@BELLSOUTH.NET wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I know this is slightly off topic but does anyone out there know if the
> 1.8L vw motor is an interference motor.  I ask because today on my
> wife's trip home (86 Golf) she suddenly lost power.  I got the call,
> grabbed some tools and went to the rescue.  When I got there I tried to
> crank the engine and was immediately shocked by how fast the engine
> cranked.  After a bit of detective work I quickly found that when
> cranked the distributor was not turning.  Further inspection and
> dismantling showed me a broken timing belt, due to a seized tensioner
> pulley.
>
> Now my big question, will I be able to put a new belt (and pulley) on
> and all will be well?  Or did more engine damage occur?  I know there
> are many engines out there that will be damaged if the belt breaks, I am
> just wondering if the VW engines are part of this list.  Any help will
> be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> John
>
John,
We just had the timing belt replaced on out Cabriolet and was told that the
motor (a 1.8 inline 4 cyl) wasn't an interference motor.  So, I think you
should be able to replace and go. Fix that tensioner pulley!

Cheers,
Dave C.
Williamsburg, VA
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'85 GL Westy (His)
'91 Cabriolet (Hers)