_Vow2Save

Hi, I'm about to replace my timing belt on my C5 A6(2000 2.8l 30v Quattro). In 2010 I had my belt slip damage valves and had to replace them. When i paid the mechanic he said he "was able to get within one tooth of proper timing). Before starting this project(I have the mechanic guide, all tools other than seal pullers, and some extras i may do along the way), I'd like to know what problems i'm going to run into while being off a tooth. I've searched the forums and couldn't find exactly what i was looking for. I know I need to line up the crank pulley and cams properly according to their marks of alignment, but if I'm off a tooth, how will that affect my ability to do that?

I've worked on my car before, but nothing this in depth. I'm leaking oil(badly), probably out of the crankshaft seal, and figured I'd change all of the seals and belt now. I feel confident I could preform pretty well with the help of my guide and the blauparts guide i printed out, but with the teeth off by one, i'm worried I won't know how to align the pulleys properly. Any help or advice to help me do this will make a big difference.

Thanks

Harleyguy

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-...re-2966722/Use the search function on this site and you will pull up more information than you can absorb. There was a recent post on here about the alignment process of the cam sprockets that is very specific. Had your previous mechanic done the job correctly the cam sprockets would have lined up correctly. Hopefully you didn't incur damage from his work. If you don't have the Bently repair manual then you might want to acquire one before tackling this. The link above is an example on a different engine but same principle applies. Specific number of chain links from one sprocket to another. Use the special tools required (cam lock bar and crank lock pin).

_Vow2Save

I have the manual, the link you provided didn't work unfortunately. I've driven the car since the work was done in 2010 or 2011 and though it doesn't idle properly, it still drives well. I'm hoping the mechanic made a mark on the pulleys.

georgeb944

check out the diagram on this thread

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-...sfire-2966722/

4Driver4

This really isn't possible if he used the tools and did the job correctly. Cam timing is infinitely adjustable. It's not difficult to get it correct...much harder to get it "off a tooth"

CRuby

If you plan to do it right, shouldn't need to worry or rely on the prior mechanic's mark on the pulley. With cam lock bar & crank lock pin installed, you use a puller to pull the timing gears off the cams, then install timing belt, tension it, then retighten timing gears. There is a proper method to the madness of setting the timing. Off by 1 tooth is sloppy workmanship, for the effort & cost to get this done. If doing yourself, study up on the steps, so you get good understanding of what's involved. I'm sure you prefer to do this once, & correctly.