That's all well and good but if a new belt goes back on in EXACTLY the same sprocket positions what is the difference? Have I just been lucky or is there a very high chance that my valve timing is out?

In one text of 'Cam belt replacement' (Haynes Golf AAZ)it says about loosening camshaft sprocket bolt and tap off the sprocket so as to align sprocket to belt whilst camshaft is held stationary in TDC. I have never done that and my understanding is that there's a woodruff key on shaft to align with the sprocket so how can the sprocket be rotated independently of shaft?

It confuses the hell out of me, is my method gash?! Is Haynes assuming a complete rebuild from scratch and what's with the turning of a keyed sprocket on a keyed shaft?



Really appreciate any helpful answers as all my friends run petrol vans and my wife just gives me a 1000yd stare when I mention it to her!