Hi all,

I'm ordering the enhanced timing belt kit from Blauparts and doing to the job in the next few weeks. I also want to order some (or all) of the parts in the Blauparts cam chain tensioner gasket kit, as I've got leaks dripping on the exhaust from both sides of the engine close to the firewall.

Questions:
- I just changed my valve cover gaskets 7k miles ago. Can I get away with re-using the gaskets if they don't rip? If yes, I wouldn't have to order the whole cam gasket kit and could save $ (the other cam seals are cheap).

- My 2.8 has the standard ticking sound. Will replacing the cam chain pads help this? Not a big deal but wondering. Also, is the pad changing process a huge PIA and/or not necessary?

- Outside of the timing belt job, how much time is involved with switching out the cam seals and pads? I'm guessing I can do the timing belt + cam seals/pads in one weekend, but not sure.

- Looks like I won't have to pull the cams to change the seals? I really don't want to remove them if possible.

Ross

 

I would replace the seals again if you are going to do the cam chain adjuster pads. Too much crap to take off to not do it IMO.
The ticking sound could be a bad lifter?? IF you have the tensioner tool you can take the cam adjust out without taking the cams out but it's way easier to take them out as a unit.
Cam seals/valve cover seals and timing belt in one weekend if its your first time will be pushing it. Do yourself a favor and get all of the correct tools to do the job from blau parts.
Took me over two 8 hour days but i replaced my water pump,crank vent hoses, all seals,cam tensioner friction plates and i cleaned every part i had off. I am super **** that way. I am also a pretty seasoned mechanic from Mk1/Mk1 vw's but this was my first time doing this work on an A4.
Cheers,
Jess