[daidnik]

I have to replace weeping water pump on vehicle. There is about 70k on 2nd T-Belt, so I'm going to do the whole group of timing components.

I see that there is an 'updated' kit with simple spring tensioner pulley with no hydraulic damper. I'm wondering if this is an improvement.

I've seen the same evolution in Volvo design over the same principle. I've never had a problem with the hydraulic damper/tensioners and I always though that the change to non-damping spring tensioner was mostly due to an evolution towards cheaper components.

I see that both the old hydraulic & new non-damped setups are available.

Any opinions on which is better and why?

 

[jimothy]

Supposedly its more reliable, but it does make it way easier if you have to remove the belt, or pull the head for something, you don't have to slowly compress the hydraulic dampener. Also, its easier to tension your belt correctly, just line up the marks on the pulley.

 

[Iowegian]

I would guess either type will work fine. I've used both and I prefer the newer style for the reasons jimothy mentioned.

 

[daidnik]

Thanks for the replies.

I infer that there is a convenience factor in the VAG case that is different from the Volvo case. In the VAG case, one must adjust the eccentric on the idler pulley to optimize the stroke on the hydraulic plunger. There is no such adjustment in the Volvo case.

In the VAG case, access is much more restricted (as is there custom for design in general). This causes some difficulties with the adjustment & setting of the 8mm gap/position of the hydraulic plunger.