Can a Cam Belt be slightly out?

I posted previously about valve caps being eaten by my 300tdi - I am still searching for the cause.

I have two theories - the first is the cam followers and sliders have moved - maybe when the rocker guide rail broke the first time? The Haynes warns of turning over an engine with no rockers in place (to stop the followers jumping) - this will be what happened when the rail broke but doesn't explain why the rocker guide rail broke the first time? (but maybe losing a valve cap was enough).

The second theory (which would explain why the rail broke and also the subsequent troubles I have had) is that when the belt was changed and I think a Britpart kit fitted, maybe it is slightly stretched or out by a bit? Can this happen? - she runs lovely, no missing, not lumpy at all, so my mechanic doesn't think it it can be as much as a tooth out?

I have an either/or - head off or replace timing belt again (after 14k miles)?

Thanks for your previous responses they have gotten us this far. The wife is talking about selling it???? I gotta find the problem!!!!

Thanks

Allen

Well if the problem is new since the belt was fitted its got to be worth pulling the front cover for a look, but i would have though it would have happened a lot sooner as 14k is a fair few miles.


Lynall