86 jetta GL turbo diesel, timing belt/oil pump?

[buck88]

i am starting to have troubles with my oil light flashing and buzzing on my car, i was told that the timing belt drives the oil pump, and that if it slips that will happen, should i replace the timing belt?

[boschmann]

Can you tell the pressure is actually low, e.g. the lifters start making noise (if you have hydraulic liftres - '86 could have either). If the belt is loose it could cause the problem, especially if you don't have the grooved intermediate pulley. You may want to check the pressure with a gauge as the dynamic oil system on those cars is prone to malfunction.

[buck88]

well im pretty concerned about it, what would be my best bet?? should i take it in for a tune up and check over, or should i just get them to change the timing belt?

[zagrot]

you should first determine whether the oil pressure is low or not. temporarily install a mechanical oil presure gauge and if the readings indicated do not follow the manual's recomended pressure (74psi @ 5000rpm) then go about troubleshooting from there. if you are concerned about the timing belt tension or condition remove the upper timing belt cover and give it a look (note: any fraying, cracking, missing teeth, or petroleum product saturation warrants replacement). you should be able to push the belt about 1/2" in between the pump and cam pulley. use a straight edge and ruler to make the measurment. if you don't want to do this on your own a shop will be happy to do it for you.

[vwturbodiesel]

Hi
I had this on a 84 turbodiesel,and it was the oil pressure switch.
there are two of them .
one on the oil filter housing and another on the back of the head.
they are two different oressure.
I would check these first.
good luck.

[Doug Tatham]

As Boschmann and Zagrot said, check the oil pressure. You can get a pressure gage for about $10.00 at Harbor freight. Connect it using the 1/4 npt in place of the pressure sensors mentioned above. Let the engine idle 15-20 minutes so that you know the pressure has stabilized. The expected pressure is stamped on the underside of the sensor. The only way to know for sure is to test with a gage.