hi guys have a mk2 polo 1.1 82 and I have changed the cambelt but the water pump will not turn anti clockwise to tension the belt I have undone all three retaining bolt by no joy :(

The water pump needs to turn clockwise to tension the belt.

Did you change the water pump as well?

In the manual it says anti and no

Pretty sure it is clockwise, what way did you turn it to loosen it off? Did it move freely enough then?

I'd be renewing the waterpump with the belt personally. I'm guessing it's corroded to the mounting points or the metal water pipe.

I just replaced water pump. clockwise top towards front to loosen with big blade long screwdriver.

Go the other way and you may crack the pump housing. I did.

http://www.clubpolo.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=329722&page=2#entry2671432

Guess I'm wrong and it is anti-clockwise to tension :(

As said replacing the water pump is the best solution at this point. They are only about £20 so cheap enough.

Last time I did mine I noticed a quarter inch drive fits nicely in the cut-out you use to tension the pump.

And you only need to tension it enough to be able to turn the belt a quarter turn/90 degrees with thumb and forefinger on section between cam pulley and pump pulley.

Loosen spark plugs and turn engine two full revolutions carefully with a wrench on crank pulley bolt clockwise.

(out of gear, might need to turn or remove offside road wheel for access.)

This is check for valves not colliding with pistons.

New belts don't need much. If it screams or whistles when you start it then it is too tight.