I'm wanting to inspect my Timing belt on my 1.6 SOHC. Is it just a simple case of removing the cover or are there other things to consider?

Why do you suspect a issue with the cam belt? A bit of detective work under the bonnet can help to deduce how much servicing a vehicle has enjoyed where the paperwork has gone AWOL.

Usual failure mode is cracks forming at the base of the teeth. You have to take the belt off and gently open out the inside face of the belt to see that. Once it's off your going to change it anyway I hope, because it's not worth the time/effort/cost to refit a used one. Taking the top cover off may well reveal if it's relatively new, but not if it's starting fail.

I will stick my neck out and say that they are not noted for early failure; my red GTi wasn't changed till nearly 70,000 miles. There may be a sticker either on the cam cover or under the bonnet with a date of change on it. It should be changed at 60,000 miles or 5 years. I'm flexible regarding the 5 year bit, but obviously don't leave it for ever.

Alway's fit a good quality replacement kit inclusive of a idler/belt tensioner.

Hi mate - I wanted to check as the car is a 1990 G reg, with 27k on clock, but no evidence on service history of it ever having being changed.

Cost of replacement (inc water pump) is £300 so wanted to check with a view to saving money if after inspection it looked OK.

Take the cover off and turn the engine over with a spanner, remember it runs anti clockwise! see my previous post.

Brill thanks Tim.