Cam belts

[Germarchip]

Hi all,

Still pretty new to all this (but lovin the Bongo)!!!

Can anyone advise me on cambelts? I have a 2.5td which has only covered 54k. All is well with her, but is it best to get the cambelt changed sooner rather than later?
Any experince/advice appreciated

[Muzorewa]

As you've no way of knowing whether the mileage is genuine, or whether the belt has ever previously been changed, you would be best changing it to be on the safe side.

[Trouble at t'Mill]

Hi Germarchip.

As you no doubt know, the recommended interval is around 60k miles (100kms). In theory then, it should really last comfortably past this point without risk of failing unless you are very unlucky - there's always a good safety margin built in to these figures.

However (!), it really isn't going to make much financial difference - in the scheme of things - whether you get it done today or in 6 months time as it won't need doing again for many years (perhaps never again... !)

If you have a garage doing the normal servicing for you then, personally, I'd ask them to do it when the next service is due this year. Labour costs are usually less for each item the more you are getting done at the same time!

If you DIY your servicing, and also plan to DIY the cam, just do it whenever!

Oh, and worth doing the tensioner and spring too. (My garage was happy for me to source the parts and when I told them I could get it all for £50 reckoned it was much less than they'd have paid for them! Labour cost is around £100 for the job.)

[Trouble at t'Mill]

Fair point by Muzorewa, tho'. If you have any doubt as to whether the mileage is genuine, then certainly don't leave it beyond this year!

[teenmal]

Hi all,

Still pretty new to all this (but lovin the Bongo)!!!

Can anyone advise me on cambelts? I have a 2.5td which has only covered 54k. All is well with her, but is it best to get the cambelt changed sooner rather than later?
Any experince/advice appreciated

ASAP,
Remember the age of the vehicle is a factor as well as the mileage.

Cheers Mal.

[Trouble at t'Mill]

Ok, ok... that's a fair point too...!

Sheesh...

[You've Been Bongod]

Hi all,

Still pretty new to all this (but lovin the Bongo)!!!

Can anyone advise me on cambelts? I have a 2.5td which has only covered 54k. All is well with her, but is it best to get the cambelt changed sooner rather than later?
Any experince/advice appreciated

getting the timing belt changed shouldn't cost anymore than £90 and in my opinion i would rather spend £90 than upto £1,500 for a decent engine

[Trouble at t'Mill]

I think fitting the full kit will cost more - circa £150.

[wonkanoby]

you might as well do the 3 belts at same time as well

[Trouble at t'Mill]

A complete new engine wouldn't go amiss...

[Ron Miel]

As you've no way of knowing whether the mileage is genuine, or whether the belt has ever previously been changed, you would be best changing it to be on the safe side.

Agreed. Got mine done with 66,000km on delivery, for the same reason - mileage not guaranteed.

[bigdaddycain]

Hi Germarchip, I'd get the belt changed sooner rather than later really... You don't want to be the first one on the forum who's belt snaps!

That's got you all thinking hasn't it?... When was the last time anybody on here complained about bent valves cos of a belt failure? None that i can remember...