Hello all. I should probably start off and admit my stupidity at the first. I was out on Sunday, looking for a new fishing hole when I stumbled upon a dirt road that looked promising. I started down it and it started getting pretty rough. Stupid me, didn't turn around. I kept on going, until I came upon a fairly steep hill and about half way down it, hit a half-buried rock, which caught my oil pan and bent it up. The impact was enough to break my timing belt (which was slightly damaged in the first place.. one of the many things on my list of things to fix). I didn't know what happened at first (the car shut off and coasted down the hill where I could pull off and take a look at it). I tried starting the car, it would turn over (with no strange noises, which I'm not sure if that's a sign of minor damage or not) but wouldn't start. So, I popped the hood and noticed the belt had come off the pullies ('84 Jetta, Turbo Diesel, metal cover on the timing belt). I was screwed. I got the cover off and discovered the broken belt. No cell phone (probably no coverage where I was anyway), so I started to walk out.. 13 km's later (measured when I got towed out later), I finally got picked up and driven home. I had to borrow my uncle's half-ton to tow my car out, which was a real joy.
Anyway, all that, just to lead up to my questions. I took the timing belt cover completely off tonight, to see about putting the new belt on and noticed the source of the original wear on the belt. The tensioner pulley turns quite hard, partway through its rotation and is bent in one spot around the rim that holds the belt on. This cut into the belt a bit and started the wear. The bottom pulley (crank) has another cover type of thing on it as well. There's no way to get the belt on without taking it off, apparently. How hard is it to get off? I didn't have time tonight to get it.
Also, and I'm scared to take off the oil pan to inspect the damage, if the engine turns over (and moves forward when in gear and the clutch isn't pushed in.. had to do it to move the car out of the way), should I suspect any damage to the crank itself? It seems to be turning with no impairment. How far into the oil pan does it go? It bent the pan up maybe half an inch to an inch.. which I'm looking for a replacement now.
And, if I actually do get the new belt on, what's involved in setting the timing on the turbo deisel?
Anyway, I know that my stupid mistake has probably cost me my car, but is there any good news? haha.. Thanks to anyone that replies, and sorry my post is so long.
Thanks,
Mark Currie