Is it really necessary to remove the crankshaft pulley to change the timing belt. If I could just get the A/C belt off, I think I could snake the new timing belt in without removing the crank pulley. But I can't find a way to untension the A/C belt. Is there a way ? Also, where is the flywheel access cover ? Also, does the intermediate pulley cause the distributor rotor to turn ? Thanks.

Classic question. The AC belt tension is governed by the distance between the crankshaft pulley halves. This distance is varied with the shims clamped between the crank pulley halves. Think of it as varying the effective distance between the two pulleys from the point of view of the belt. Therefore, to remove the belt intact, the crank pulley needs to come apart and at that point, you might as well take it off. Keep track of where the shims are and how many. Spare shims are on the outside front of the pulley.

Obviously you never had an old beetle to start your driving career with.

In answer to your second question, yes the intermediate shaft turns

the distributor and it also turns the oil pump. So, it is important

to make sure it is in the same position when you install the new belt.

The mark for the shaft on the cover is at three o'clock. Some other

mechanics paint their own mark at the 12 o'clock position to make it

easy for them. The tensioner should be changed if you don't know

when it was last changed. Its annual replacement is every 100k miles

or every two belts.

Dave 82 242ti