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Originally Posted by MrSelfDestruct
Was the mechanic nice enough to use a decent amount of lube when you paid? Not to derail, but a timing belt should not cost more than $500, including labor.
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Simple replacement? Sure.
It's an interference engine. I have a 20 valve 4cyl. 12 intake and 8 exhaust. When the timing belt breaks in an interference engine you are guaranteed to have the pistons smash into a few valves. In my case, all eight exhaust valves and 8 of the 12 intake valves were fucked. The exhaust valves are $80/each and the intake ones were $30 each. That's $1k just for the fucking valves. Once you add in the timing belt, you're at $1500.
On top of that, there is the water pump, the tensioner, getting the other 4 intake valves machined, labor for the machine shop (which took apart the head and put it back together) and the mechanic and ya, it's about $3k.
Believe me, I called other shops that specialize in VWs when they gave me an estimate. They were all within that range and a few said they doubt they could do it for that price. I'm somewhat lucky that none of the of the pistons were cracked because that can happen too. Regardless, I think the final bill should still be accompanied with a heavy dose of lube.
Lesson learned, buy a Toyota next time (almost all of their engines are non-interference)