Timing belt in oil bath: A permanent solution by converting the oil pump drive to a chain

The wet timing belt, also known as a “timing belt in oil,” has been a topic of discussion in the workshop industry for years. We have already highlighted the typical issues in engines such as PureTech, EcoBoost and EcoBlue, and presented suitable VAICO repair solutions.

For the EA288 2.0 TDI, VAICO now offers a permanent repair solution: the conversion of the oil pump drive from a wet timing belt to a  drive chain. This allows workshops to offer their customers a reliable and long-term solution for a particularly sensitive area of the engine without the risk of material-related weaknesses associated with wet belt systems. In our practical video, our technician Marten Bruhn demonstrates the conversion of the oil pump drive on the EA288 2.0 TDI.

Timing belt in oil on the EA288 2.0 TDI

On the EA288 2.0 TDI, the oil pump in certain applications is driven by a timing belt running in oil. This so-called wet belt system was designed to offer advantages in terms of space and efficiency, but in practice it comes with known risks, especially with increasing mileage, unfavorable operating conditions, or sensitive maintenance intervals.

Vehicle examples EA288 2.0 TDI with wet timing belt

These engines all use the wet belt system:

• Audi A3, Q2, Q3, TT (2012–2020)
• Seat Leon, Tarraco, Alhambra, Ateca (2012–2024)
• Škoda Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, Yeti (2009–2024)
• VW Golf, Passat, Tiguan, Touran, Caddy, Sharan, Beetle, Arteon (2010–2024)

The constant contact between the timing belt and engine oil can lead to serious problems.

Why the wet belt in the oil pump drive can become a risk

The timing belt runs permanently in engine oil. This is exactly where its weakness lies: over time, the belt material can degrade and release particles. These residues can spread throughout the lubrication system and, in the worst case, clog the oil pump strainer or affect other sensitive areas of the oil circuit.

The result can be a drop in oil pressure, which poses significant risks to engine lubrication. Highly stressed components such as bearings, turbochargers, and other parts that rely on a stable oil supply are particularly affected.

If such damage goes undetected, it can lead to costly consequential damage, ranging from increased wear to severe engine failure.

This is exactly where VAICO’s repair solution comes in. It permanently replaces the vulnerable wet timing belt in the oil pump drive with a chain solution.

The idea behind converting the oil pump drive to a chain

Converting from a wet timing belt to a  drive chain in the oil pump drive offers clear advantages:
✅ Permanent repair solution for a critical engine component
✅ No material-related wet belt degradation in the oil pump drive
✅ Robust and durable chain drive design
✅ Increased safety in the lubrication system by eliminating the belt running in oil

The new VAICO EXPERT KIT+ for conversion to a drive chain

With the VAICO kit V10-000085, a complete repair solution is available to replace the timing belt in oil between the crankshaft and oil pump with a robust chain drive.

Kit contents:

✅ High-quality iwis drive chain with 23 chain links (simplex)
✅ Precision-engineered sprocket
✅ Oil pump
✅ Oil filter and oil drain plug
✅ Radial shaft seal and complete installation hardware
✅ Bolts and the correct oil quantity for a standard oil change

The heart of the kit: the iwis drive chain

The core of this repair solution is the premium drive chain from the world-leading manufacturer of precision chain systems for the automotive industry, iwis. VAICO deliberately relies on the highest quality to permanently replace the failure-prone wet timing belt.

Through close collaboration with iwis and extensive testing and trial installations, it is ensured that the chain drive performs reliably in everyday workshop conditions. The result is a robust and durable solution that meets the long-term demands of the oil pump drive.

For workshops, this means more than just a parts solution. It is a well-engineered system that creates reliability and eliminates the risks associated with wet belt systems.

Video focus: How to successfully convert the oil pump drive from timing belt to drive chain

Experience the conversion on the EA288 with engine code DFMA live and in a practical setting in our accompanying video. Our technician Marten Bruhn demonstrates step by step how the wet timing belt is replaced with a robust drive chain.

He is supported by Marc Eder, Test Engineer at iwis. As a chain specialist, he provides valuable tips for proper installation. The video combines hands-on workshop practice with expert knowledge and shows exactly what matters during the conversion, from the thermal installation of the sprocket to all critical details for a durable chain drive.

Workshops gain far more than a simple installation overview from this video. It delivers technical understanding, practical guidance, and installation confidence, ensuring that the oil pump drive conversion is carried out reliably, efficiently, and sustainably.

Switch to a reliable long-term solution now

With the VAICO EXPERT KIT+ V10-000085, workshops have access to a well-designed repair solution to convert the oil pump drive of the EA288 from a wet timing belt to a chain. This effectively and permanently eliminates the known risks of wet belt systems in this area.

💡 The VAICO EXPERT KIT+ is available from our distribution partners and directly via www.vierol-shop.de. Discover the repair solution for the oil pump drive now and secure premium workshop quality

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