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Sun Mar 23, 2008
07:02
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I've been meaning to put up a quick post about this for a while now.
I've mentioned it before, but the ABA swap into our Mk2 Golf is using a
complete serpentine belt setup, completely eliminating the original v-belt.
The serpentine setup is far easier when it comes to maintenance, and much
less prone to slipping in wet conditions. For my application, this conversion
was particularly easy, since I'm not using A/C or power steering. This leaves
only the alternator and water pump that need to be driven by the serpentine
belt. The alternator is easy - it can be used exactly as on an A3. The water
pump is a little tricky, because even 4 cylinder A3s have a v-belt to drive the water
pump and power steering pump. I used a fairly common trick, which is to bolt
a VR6 water pump pulley onto my water pump. The VR6 water pumps are driven
from the back side of a serpentine belt, so the pulley is smooth. If you use
this pulley on a 4 cylinder water pump, then you must drive it from the ribbed
side of the serpentine belt - otherwise the water pump will be turning in the
wrong direction. This method works just fine, and you can even get the VR6
pulleys brand new from the dealer as well as most of the online parts stores
(that is, if you can't find one in a junkyard). Next, you'll need to figure
out what length belt to use. For my application, I'm driving the A3 alternator,
water pump with VR6 pulley, and using the non-AC alternator bracket with
automatic spring tensioner. The length of belt I ended up using was 41 inch.
I believe that 40.5 inch might have been a slightly better fit, but 40 inch
was definitely too small. Find a local auto parts store with helpful people
behind the counter, and they'll be happy to help you get your hands on the
different belt sizes.
Here are a couple of pictures showing the new serpentine belt setup. It is
a much cleaner looking configuration than the factory A2 layout.
Post your comments below. Please note that your comments will not be visible until
they have been approved by a moderator (me).
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A1 parts for sale:
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Item: Intake air pre-heat hose (from exhaust manifold shroud to air box), for Scirocco 2 (1982+)
Condition: New
$12
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A2 parts for sale:
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Item: GTI dual-round grille with inner lights, bulbs, and lower trim strip
Condition: Used, lower trim strip is weathered.
$35
Item: Parcel shelf strap, 3 available
Condition: New
$3.50 ea.
Item: 8 (eight) valve guides, German, standard size, for 8 valve head
Condition: New
$24
Item: Wheel cylinder (for rear drums, obviously), 2 available.
Condition: New
$12 ea.
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A3 parts for sale:
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Item: Parcel shelf strap, 3 available
Condition: New
$3.50 ea.
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A4 parts for sale:
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Item: OEM Water pump, ALH engines
Condition: Used, 130,000 miles
$20
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