Timing Belt Issues (2000 S40 1.9T):
I installed a new timing belt about 8 months ago (in August) as per VADIS instructions. Recently I have had cause to change the plugs, and hence has the timing cover off. When I was looking around in there checking everything out, I noticed a place in the upper timing cover where the timing belt has been rubbing. Now, I checked to make sure that the cover cleared the belt, so, being inquisitive, I fired it up and to my surprise, the belt was sliding on the camshaft pulleys laterally. It also slid partially off (towards the front of the engine). Everytime the engine is turned off, the belt comes to rest completely on the pulleys. To be honest, I'm baffled. Does anybody know what could be causing this? How about any specific parts to check? I have a tech friend and he says that they'll slide a little bit because there is no lip to hold them on, but that they shouldn't be sliding off the pulley like that, so has anybody else maybe had a similar situation (and what worked to fix it)?

Also, I have been thinking about checking the valve clearance and to do it, VADIS instructions require the use of a special tool on the back of the camshafts (where a cam position sensor is found). However, on my engine, there is a metal plate on the intake side. Any ideas as to how to get it off?

By the way, VADIS isn't really a good manual. There are different specs different places; you really need to have a good idea what you are doing to get it exactly correct. Sometimes, there is a general description for a procedure where there may be different features or locations. Also, by the way, the timing belt change on the S40 1.9T is more difficult that on the 5 and 6 cylinder models, for some reason, I recommend a camlock as the camshafts really want to spin when the belt is off, for anyone that is thinking about it.

Any help you can provide is much appreciated.