There is no timing belt on a VR6!

However since you mentioned non-fuel related problems I will mention
that a common problem with the VR6 is the coil pack. The coil pack can
crack and this causes misfiring when the engine is cold and wet... or
hot and very wet. The symptoms the OP described do not exactly match a
bad coil pack.

OpaPiloot wrote:
> Check the timing belt!
>
> One out of many Daves wrote:
>
> > doesn't the '97 also have that transfer pump in the tank? (2 fuel pumps)
> > If it does then I would look there first, along with changing the filter as
> > Mark indicates.
> > --
> > later,
> > dave
> > (One out of many daves)
> >
> > > wrote:
> > >> Hi all,
> > >>
> > >> My 97 Passat VR6 is failing me! I have been hearing an increasing loud
> > >> whine from behind the drivers' side rear tire and now the car is
> > >> stumbling and acts like its fuel starved. Does this sound like a fuel
> > >> pump? Does anyone have a document for replacement? What else should I
> > >> do while I am in there? Filters?
> > >>
> > >> As always any help is appreciated,
> > >>
> > >> RickT
> > >