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The Octy is going to need a new cambelt soon and in the 4 years since it was last done I have done quite a lot of work on the car and changed quite a few bits like the alternator, brakes and rear suspension, as well as the regular servicing. So I was wondering about doing the cambelt myself this time.

I have a trolley jack and axle stands and a good collection of tools now. I was planning reading through Mr Haynes book of lies again for the cambelt and water pump but I was after advice/experience from anyone who has tried it themselves. Is there anything vital missing from the Haynes manual ("fitting is the reverse of removal" my arse!) Are their any special tools that are worth getting rather than bodging something etc.

I was planning on setting a weekend aside and taking it slowly.

Also where is the best place to get the kit and water pump?

SWMBOs trusty Leon needs a service shortly and so far it has always had semi-synth oil. Looking at euro car parts and Opie oils websites they both come up with fully synthetic oils when I search and don't even offer semi synth.

I'm jut wondering whether changing from semi to fully snyth is going to potentially cause problems. The car only does about 5000 miles a year, mainly short journeys - it's a 1.6 petrol 16v engine as used in the golf.

I am planning to clean the throttle body on SWMBOs Leon (hopefully this weekend) and I am wondering if there is any kind soul near me with the full version of VCDS who could do the alignment on the throttle body once I have got it cleaned up.

I live half way between Derby and Nottingham and could come to you easily enough.

Cheers.