Head gasket

**chris90** · 01-03-2008,03:56 PM

Hi, i am currently trying to change the head gasket on a mach 2 1990 golf, i have taken all the componts off and the head is free. However the inside cover of the timeing belt is still attached so i cannot fully remove the head. Any suggestions? i have checked throughly and there does not seem to be any more bolts holding it in place.
Also i managed to slip the cam belt off but am worried when i come to re-fit that i will not be able to ajust the tension?

your help would be much appreciated.

**Crasher** · 01-03-2008,04:05 PM

1.3 or 1.6? I think all Golf 2 Match models were 1.3.

**chris90** · 01-03-2008,05:55 PM

yea its a 1.3. Do you have any idea what the problem may be?

**Crasher** · 02-03-2008,03:27 PM

There is a bolt behind the cam belt sprocket and the sprocket must be removed to allow the head to be removed.

**monza73** · 03-03-2008,12:57 AM

crasher is right.the sprocket has to be removed.

**monza73** · 03-03-2008,01:02 AM

as for timing..if no manual,mark belt against casing before disassembly.if advanced in mechanics mark t.d.c top dead centre on firing order no.1 piston if unsure .....reply

**Sam1977** · 30-03-2009,06:02 PM

Its a bit of an old thread but I did notice that nobody addressed his point regarding slipping the cam belt off. It should be loosened by turning the water pump - something that must be done sooner or later otherwise you'll never get the bugger back on. And "turn the water pump" means giving it a few clonks with some wood and a hammer as it'll be stuck solid