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 16 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.

Mark helpful

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.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

can i mess up the valves in my car? 2 Answers

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...

1980 Volkswagen Rabbit

-

Maintenance & Repair
Everytime I Put my key in the ignition to a 2008 Rabbit 2.5 the Alarm/honk goes off 1 Answer

Everytime I Put my key in the ignition to a 2008 Rabbit 2.5 the Alarm/honk goes off and the Car will not turn over. I had the battery tested and its fine. If we jump the car the car works. We are ...

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 2-Door

-

Maintenance & Repair
i have a 1984 vw rabbit. everytime i take a rihgt hand turn, my car cutts out. has anyone ever delt with this problem ? what can i do to fix it ? 2 Answers

i just bought this car. body is great, and no other problems except that when the fuel tank is filled it runs good, but after i use up around 3 gallons, whenever i take a right hand turn, going over 3...

1984 Volkswagen Rabbit

-

Maintenance & Repair
I changed the battery on my 2007 Rabbit. All was fine. The next day when I started my car most of the warning lights were ON (ABS, ECP, brake was flashing, steering and engine). The speedometer did not work, but the car runs fine. Everything works (lights, stereo, wipers and pump, windows, etc). VW technicians says no communication with any modules, new ones are needed. They can't explain why the car still works. I NEED HELP! 2 Answers

Car works fine but the dash lights are ON (ABS, engine, EPC, steering and brake is flashing). VW tech wants to charge over $5000 to fix but they can't tell me what is wrong. I changed the battery 1 we...

2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 2-Door

-

Maintenance & Repair
Why wont my car stay running? 2 Answers

I drove my car a little bit then left it home, The next day the battery was dead, i charged the battery 2 days ago. Well i just got it legal a day ago but now when i go to start it will start for a...

2006 Volkswagen Rabbit 4dr Hatchback with Manual

-

Maintenance & Repair

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.