'83 GTI timing belt damageat

[obieoberstar]

Just wanted to check if this is an interference engine. 1983 GTI

The timing belt has had the teeth torn off. Won't start, but it does seem to have compression at times and struggles to turn over. Maybe it got lucky?

Thanks for the help.

[ach60]

Get a borescope and perform inspection, or get a air attachment threads into spark plug hole.
Bring each cylinder to TDC. Add air, bent valves will leak.
If no bent valves, just replace timing belt.
I jumped time by 1 tooth on a '89 Jetta, would only rev to 4000.
Some say 1.5 through 1.8 Mk1 engines are non interference, but if modified they can become interference.
That's why I'd check it before replacing cam belt, tensioner, water pump rather than hoping for the best.
Back in those days we replace timing belts every 60000 miles.
_________________
Good Luck
Al

[Butcher]

You should be fine. No valves should be bent on a stock engine.

[obieoberstar]

New Continental timing belt and an INA tensioner arrived yesterday.

Will update after installation tomorrow.