can i mess up the valves in my car?

25

Asked by jamesmiller4321 Nov 07, 2007 at 08:11 PM about the 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1980 Volkswagen rabbit. Recently i changed the water pump but i think i messed up my valves because i had to take off the timing belt. However I am getting mixed info on the engine and how it can't mess up the valves (i forget the term they used) but others are wanting to charge me nearly $1,000 for repair. Any info that i can get back will greatly appreciated. Thx

papa answered 17 years ago

yes you can and probley have when you take off timeing belt for any reason parts seme to get turned,the cam has to be in proper position so dose the crank and i belive it is another gear that hase to also be in corect position,also you need to know the proper tenson on timeing belt,every thing has to be allined with each other.

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340

dodgeme answered 15 years ago

yes it is an (interference fit) engine meaning that as the piston travels the valve can try to take the same space as the valve if the camshaft is not properly syncronized with the crankshaft as long as the timing marks were properly aligned when you replaced the timing belt you shouldn't have any problems however if you tried to force the cam or crank to rotate you probably have damaged the pistons and valves.

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