VR6 engine...is this right?

[pontypool]

Last week had a new alternator fitted to VR6 Golf and then last night the belt exploded and left me stranded, my question is...


1. Should the garage have replaced the belt when putting on a new alternator?
2. Can it be too tight or is it automatically tensioned?
3. Does it drive the water pump too?

If i get a new belt myself is it an easy DIY job for a numpty?

[craggers]

I thought VR6 would be chain belt? if so, it wouldn't need to be replaced.

[pentoman]

craggers said:

I thought VR6 would be chain belt? if so, it wouldn't need to be replaced.

Chain for the cams maybe... but not sure that you can get chain driven alternators/water pumps??

[JonRB]

The VR6 engine uses a poly V belt similar to the RV8's 'serpentine' belt, as far as I am aware.

The cams are chain-driven.

[pontypool]

yes, i did mean serpentine belt, not cam-belt...

[JonRB]

1. Should the garage have replaced the belt when putting on a new alternator?
I wouldn't have thought so, but would expect them to check for wear.

2. Can it be too tight or is it automatically tensioned?
I believe it is self-tensioning.

3. Does it drive the water pump too?
I'm pretty sure it does.

If i get a new belt myself is it an easy DIY job for a numpty?
I'm told it is a fairly easy job - my mechanic was going to show me how to do it for future reference but we never got round to it.

Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 6th December 13:05