Timing Belt Failure

[Raleigh_Beetle]

Must have run out of luck with my 2001 Beetle (160,000K). Timing belt changed by previous owner at 80,000 miles. Out of the area on business on Thursday--full stop--towed to local VW dealership. Called me with the $5600.00 bad news.

Three questions:

(1) Given the quote from the dealership, does anyone have a recommendation for a VW specialty shop in the Raleigh, NC area that would be able to help for a more reasonable price? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

(2) What is the range for repairs? Is it reasonable to think that I may be able to put $2500.00 and have the engine rebuilt if it is not entirely cratered.

(3) If $ 2500.00 will not cover it, then does anyone have any idea what a 2001 Beetle with a cratered engine would bring in the NC area?

Thanks

[Smileybug]

Apex Tuning <- Apex Tuning is where I take my car for everything. I know the guys that own it...they're really great. They do work on TDIs and are on the list over on TDI Club.

They're off of New Bern Ave in East Raleigh outside of downtown. They just opened a new shop that has tons of space and a nice gated parking area.

They are in the shop today until 6pm. I'd give them a call and see what they can do.

[MichelleRoze]

Sorry to hear about the misfortune! I would try the place smileybug recommended first. They will probably be cheaper than the dealer by a LOT. Now, that's not saying it's going to be a cheap fix. More than likely a lot is going to need to be done to make the car run again.

That kinda freaks me out because I replaced my t-belt around 80K and I'm creeping up on 160K. Ugh...I just don't want to think about it right now.

[akasha1963]

I paid $1600 for my repairs and that was for the belt, new water pump, engine mounts, valve replacements (all were bent)spark plugs & wires, milling the head & new gasket. I am sure there are more pieces I just cant remember them right now. DONT get it done at the stealership.

[DZLBUG]

Whatever you do...get it OUT OF THE DEALER NOW.

He is out of town a bit, but you should talk to this guy:
Jimmy Bryant
Sanford N.C.
919-545-6476
Jim Bote - TDIClub Forums - View Profile: jimbote

He will likely be cheaper than Apex and he knows his stuff, he did Michelle's 5 speed swap in 12 hours. You would have to talk to him about pricing - but you should be able to get this fixed up for $2500 or less.

The head needs to come off, and preferably be sent out to Lockwood, MO for Frank Irving (Franko6 on TDIclub) to go through it and do his magic. He can send all the parts needed for reassembly (including full timing belt kit) back in one box with the head. Frank's pricing can vary based on the value of the Euro and other factors, he buys parts direct from overseas, but I wouldn't expect it to be more than $1000-1200 in parts.

Jim will also be able to get the timing belt system installed CORRECTLY, which the dealer is unlikely to do.

[Smileybug]

I was at the shop yesterday getting some details ironed out on the engine rebuild on our Mk1 TD Jetta. Told them this might be coming their way. He told me "Bring it on!". They have some really great places in the area that they work with for machine work. They've also done quite a few timing belt installs on the TDIs of all types. Foxie needs to chime in here...

Sanford is about an hour or so away, which unless you have AAA, thats going to be one pricy tow. I'd say try Apex. You can always shop around. But its in the area, and I can tell you that their prices are great and they work on cars of all types. They've worked on our Mk1 diesel, my NB, and my husbands Honda even (though they do VW/Audi almost exclusively). I trust them 100% with any car I take there.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

That kinda freaks me out because I replaced my t-belt around 80K and I'm creeping up on 160K. Ugh...I just don't want to think about it right now.

Think about it. Replacing your timing belt could save you tons of money in the long run.

[Smileybug]

Did you ever get in touch with anyone? Update?

[Raleigh_Beetle]

I called Apex Tuning based on the recommnedation. They seemed very helpful, and mentioned the next steps and the cost associated with diagnosing the engine. I have been out of state for the last week, but they are in the middle of the engine and expect to contact me today (Friday) with a more precise estimate. When I hear the final (hopefully) dollar amount, then I will have to decide if I am going to move forward with the re-build.

I will let you know what transpires. Thanks to everyone for your help and recommendations...

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by SMG

Think about it. Replacing your timing belt could save you tons of money in the long run.

Oh I'm thinking about it. It's just not possible in the budget right now. Recovering from a tranny swap right now. Hoping I can have the money saved for the tbelt when it's due. I think I had mine done at 89K, and I only have 156K so I *should* be ok. Fingers crossed.

To the OP, hope all goes well! Keep us posted on the progress! And if this shop is good, make sure to give them kudos on the TDI club.

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Whatever you do...get it OUT OF THE DEALER NOW.

He is out of town a bit, but you should talk to this guy:
Jimmy Bryant
Sanford N.C.
919-545-6476
Jim Bote - TDIClub Forums - View Profile: jimbote

He will likely be cheaper than Apex and he knows his stuff, he did Michelle's 5 speed swap in 12 hours. You would have to talk to him about pricing - but you should be able to get this fixed up for $2500 or less.

The head needs to come off, and preferably be sent out to Lockwood, MO for Frank Irving (Franko6 on TDIclub) to go through it and do his magic. He can send all the parts needed for reassembly (including full timing belt kit) back in one box with the head. Frank's pricing can vary based on the value of the Euro and other factors, he buys parts direct from overseas, but I wouldn't expect it to be more than $1000-1200 in parts.

Jim will also be able to get the timing belt system installed CORRECTLY, which the dealer is unlikely to do.

Didn't see this earlier, but I whole-heartedly agree. Jimmy is amazing! I owe this guy everything I own for the tranny swap, especially so last minute. He's great! Very neat, very clean, and very precise! Would always recommend Jimmy!!!!

[Smileybug]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

To the OP, hope all goes well! Keep us posted on the progress! And if this shop is good, make sure to give them kudos on the TDI club.

Foxie has certainly given them lots of kudos over on TDIclub

Glad to hear the guys at Apex are helping you out. Definitely let us know how it goes.