Took the car in to have the water pump, the timing belt, the "other" water pump, valve cover gaskets, and some seals replaced. They took it out for a test drive and after a few miles started to miss (cyl 2,3 & 6). They now have changed the oil twice and installed some special oil filter and are talking changing the lifters (convinced they are the problem). Could a bad timing belt cause this?

A leaking front seal will allow oil to get into the area where the timing belt is located. This will cause oil to get on the belt and can cause damage. Since the timing cover must be removed to access the front seal, it is recommended to replace the belt while you are in there. Also, the water pump is driven off the timing belt. Replacement of the water pump is always recommended when replacing the timing belt for two reasons. First, it is easily replaced at this time and it is good preventive maintenance. Secondly, the water pump bearing is under tension from the timing belt and develops a wear pattern. Replacement of the belt without replacing the pump will cause the new belt to wear the bearing in a different pattern, often causing leaking in a very short time after the replacement. This would then result in having to repeat all the labor again to replace the pump. It is easy to see that for $400.00 labor, you don't want to do that again in only 2-3 months. as far as the VTEC valve is concerned, I don't see a relationship to the oil leak. It could just be something else the mechanic found during the inspection. I can find nothing in the remove/replace procedures that requires replacement of the oil pan gasket. Again, maybe something additional that is needed from visual inspection, but not needed for the front seal.

Water pump or pulley most likely.

Always replace water pump and pulleys when you do the timing belt.

Also you may have overtightened the belt.

NOTE, Kevlar belts will make a "whirring" noise for a few thousand miles after replacement, but not a growling.

sorry but your timing belt is out of time. this engine is zero clearance the cylinder is hitting the valve, need to reset timing. put straight edge on it to align. with it being a V6 one of the cams. is off

Head gasket between engine block and valve header is leaking coolant into engine oil crank case. Expect a major costly repair because mechanic has to remove many parts to replace head gasket. If you have not overheat the engine, it may cost less. Because overheat engine will damage other components such as radiator,water pump, main seal, oil seal, timing belt.

You need a new Valve Cover Gasket. The rubber seals around the spark plug holes on the Valve Cover are leaking. A new Valve Cover Gasket will come with the round gaskets that seal the spark plug hole.

My 2004 Jetta GLI had same problem. I took it to the dealer and they informed me of Recall# 28F3 to replace the ignition coils. Replaced and fixed problem at no cost. Of course, that was until they also recommended a timing belt, tensioner, water pump replacement ($923); camshaft adjuster seal and valve cover gasket seeping ($496); and electrical cooling fan replaced ($357)... maybe so, but freakin dealers :-)

You could have a leaking water pump gasket. Did you put sealant on it when you replaced it? were ALL surfaces totally clean?

4. Belt tensioner
5. oil pan gasket
6. valve cover gasket
7. All other seals in timing area and cover.

Hi. Since you took the chance of opening the engine to replace the timing belt, you might replace the seals and gaskets for the head, cover, and crankcase, including the valve seals. in this way you will add brand new seals, minimizing or eliminating any leak problems. Also, try to use shur-tak spray. This one hold the gaskets in place while putting the engine back together and adds a protective layer to them as well. Ask for it at any parts store.

There are two slots in the valve cover right by the cam shaft sprocket that have to be honda bonded or black rtv. look closely at the valve cover right above the gasket underneath the timing belt cover. Hope that helps.