VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

Belt or chain

October 15, 2025, 06:03:09 PM

Did all mk2 engines have belts?

I have a 1.6 CL 4+ E - it’s a very early 1986

I’ve not long had the car but looking at the engine, the cover is a metal one - just wondered if some were chain driven?

Thanks

Re: Belt or chain

Reply #1 – October 16, 2025, 06:53:11 AM

Nope, as far as I know, all mk2 engines have belts.
VW only started using chains on the mk3 for the VR engines.

Re: Belt or chain

Reply #2 – October 16, 2025, 04:00:31 PM

Crikey, I have a folder of history and no sign of a belt change

Re: Belt or chain

Reply #3 – October 17, 2025, 08:04:23 AM

Might want to look into that one!
I highly doubt it's never been done, but definitely pop off the cover and have a look.
See if you can manually wind the engine over until you can see some markings on the belt.
If it's VW marked/there is none and the belt looks worn, the chances are you could be on a wing and a prayer!

Generally speaking, whenever I get a car, I'll swap out the belt if I've got no history/evidence of it being done recently.
For the hundred or so it costs, it's well worth it for piece of mind.

Re: Belt or chain

Reply #4 – October 17, 2025, 02:11:46 PM

Thank you and yes, booked in for next Friday for it’s MOT and cambelt