G'day Folks,

Just acquired my first ever VW, a project car . It's a 1.9L tdi manual MK5 Golf, engine code BKC. Suspect the head gasket is blown due to not being installed properly, have got a new gasket and bolt set on the way. Head itself is new.

I'm here to ask for a step by step on how to get the timing belt off for the purpose of removing the head. I've got hold of the correct service manual and it seems like I will need to acquire some special tools but I'm hoping someone who has done the job can let me know whether it could be a simpler process than all of that, ie. can I just mark the tooth position on the cam and belt, keep tension on the belt while I change the head gasket, and then tension it back up again once I have the new head on? Or do I need to follow the full timing process?

Anybody in Melbourne got the special tools handy and would be ok lending them out?

Cheers
Tangles