Cambelt Change

[Lagotto]

Hi, i will be changing the cambelt (kit with waterpump etc) soon and wonder if anyone has also done this themselves, tips/problems etc. The MH is 2016 Ducato 130 multijet F1AE3481D. I have a manual and have watched some video (albeit foreign language) but is always nice to get some first-hand experience/thoughts.

 

[gus-lopez]

As long as you take it steady do exactly what is supposed to be done all should be fine.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I do a lot of repairs and maintenance.

timing belts,no

 

[TerryL]

From what I understand getting the belt back on accurately is the biggest potential problem. It's easy to get one tooth out - the van will still start and run but of course will be useless to drive.

 

[mitzimad]

my mechanic marks the original belt and wheels with tippex and transfers the marks to the new belt then replaces the new belt to the marks on the wheels you can count the teeth to get the new belt marked correctly
once its back on turn the engine over by hand to check for contact at least 4 turns

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[Lagotto]

my mechanic marks the original belt and wheels with tippex and transfers the marks to the new belt then replaces the new belt to the marks on the wheels you can count the teeth to get the new belt marked correctly
once its back on turn the engine over by hand to check for contact at least 4 turns

Yes, Ive always done that, mark the old belt in position, then lay on top of the new one transferring the marks, cant really go wrong and with all the pulleys locked with the tools its spot on. Ive done many simple ones before, but this one is a little more complex, with HP fuel pump, water pump, air con compressor etc. I know the procedure but sometimes when someone has done it before there can be a few "watch out for" tips to pass on. For instance I watched quite an informative video where a mechanic performed the task with one slight error. When separating the complete water pump housing, there was a sudden gush of water, as he had neglected to drain the coolant first, No big deal, just got wet.

 

[63720]

Hi, i will be changing the cambelt (kit with waterpump etc) soon and wonder if anyone has also done this themselves, tips/problems etc. The MH is 2016 Ducato 130 multijet F1AE3481D. I have a manual and have watched some video (albeit foreign language) but is always nice to get some first-hand experience/thoughts.

Have you chosen to change it after only 4 years or is it due because of mileage?

 

[Lagotto]

Have you chosen to change it after only 4 years or is it due because of mileage?

By the time I change it, the time frame will be close to 5 years and its easier for me to do it sooner than later. Plus there is no way of knowing how old the belt is, MH is 2016 but belt could be older.

 

[Coolcats]

my mechanic marks the original belt and wheels with tippex and transfers the marks to the new belt then replaces the new belt to the marks on the wheels you can count the teeth to get the new belt marked correctly
once its back on turn the engine over by hand to check for contact at least 4 turns

Even turning by hand a valve can still be bent, I know I did this when I was an apprentice

 

[gus-lopez]

You haven't got to worry about common rail diesel pumps as they aren't timed to the engine stroke.all done by ECU now.very unlikely air conditioning will be driven off cam belt. Normally separate belt.

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[eurajohn]

I've answered your request on the other MHF.
Have a look and if you need to PM me with your questions.

 

[DiggerJon]

I think it was on "Car SOS" that I saw that, having marked the timing pulleys, Fuzz (the mechanic) took a sharp Stanley knife to the timing belt and slowly cut it in half lengthwise around its circumference and removed the half that was on the "outside" of the engine leaving the other half nearer the engine. He then eased the new timing belt onto the pulleys gradually easing the old half timing belt off and then tightened everything up and cut away the old timing belt. I thought "how tedious, but safe". I'd be brave to attempt it but..........

 

[denisejoe]

Think it was Ed on the other programme wheeler dealers

 

[Geo]

Both a pair of plonkers
How do you guys tension the new belts you fit??

 

[denisejoe]

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[eurajohn]

Videos like that shouldn't be allowed!
Try it that way when you have to change the water pump as well.

 

[denisejoe]

On wheeler dealers he used a knife but gives a general idea

 

[jockaneezer]

Take a short video on your phone with the bonnet open, of the engine on tick over before you start, cos when you've done the job and restarted the engine, you'll be thinking "Was it making that clicking/whirring sound before I changed this belt ?" You'll probably find it was !