Ducato X250 timing belt replacement

[Mike Ferguson]

Has anyone replaced the timing belt and water pump on an X250 themselves? I'm in the process of replacing the timing belt and water pump on my 2.3 X250 Ducato. I have loosened all the bolts holding the timing cover in place but don't seem to have enough room to physically remove it. Has anyone else done this job? Does the cover lift upwards and get withdrawn from the top or do I have to remove the air conditioning compressor and then pull the timing cover out from below? I'm tired and frustrated at present and wishing I hadn't ever started the job. Assuming I eventually get the timing cover off is access straightforward for the water pump and belt or is it time to give up, reassemble and take it to a garage! Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[mfw]

Dont know but you may need to remove the engine mount to make life easier or maybe a necessity

 

[Stealaway]

Nope - I was happy to pay my £200 (plus parts) and not have to worry.

 

[Mike Ferguson]

Thank you. Yes I have already removed the top engine mount and lowered the engine slightly in order to remove the crankshaft pulley. Just cant see how to get the timing cover off. There's not enough room.

 

[Macca1954]

Mines on a 06 plate 2.3 had to drop the ac pump. But don’t let the pipes go just tie it up out of the way, think I had to take the pump mount off also

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Mike Ferguson]

Stealaway. I've always liked doing these sort of jobs myself. I know that its been done properly then. Have to say that I'm never going to attempt anything like this again - its just not worth the hassle. I've almost convinced myself to just re-assemble what I've taken apart and then take it to an expert to do.

 

[Mike Ferguson]

Macca1954 - I understand what you're saying - just undo the 4 bolts that hold the compressor in place but don't disconnect the pipes. Will that give me room to drop the timing belt cover out below? Assuming I can, is access then ok to replace the water pump and belt or am I going to really regret going any further? I have the parts and a set of timing belt pins and understand the process. Its just access that's a pain at present. It's a pity to give up now as there was quite a bit of disassembly involved to get to where I am.

 

[Geo]

Stealaway. I've always liked doing these sort of jobs myself. I know that its been done properly then. Have to say that I'm never going to attempt anything like this again - its just not worth the hassle. I've almost convinced myself to just re-assemble what I've taken apart and then take it to an expert to do.

What make of belt tension setting equipment are you using, or is it just the TWANG Method

 

[Macca1954]

Think you’re most of the way past the point of no return. It is a bit of shit job or was for me I’m 64 and retired mechanic so easy enough just the aches and pains weren’t

 

[Macca1954]

Just take you’re time not worth rushing. Whilst you’re round that area I found the main wiring from van to habitation had dropped down and rubbed through on the alty. Rubbed right through main cable next trip out would of been a breakdown so glad I done it myself

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Mike Ferguson]

Geo - No belt tension setting equipment required as far as I am aware;
To quote the elearn manual-
"Acting on the hexagonal bolt (1a), rotate the semi-automatic tensioner in an anti-clockwise direction, placing the tensioner (1b) moving reference in the position illustrated, i.e. about 20°-22° to the right of the position indicated by the reference (1c), then lock the fixing nut (1d)."

 

[Mike Ferguson]

I'm in no rush. Have to work this afternoon and tomorrow. Gives me time to chill out and consider my next move! Thanks Guy's.

 

[Just smiffy]

What make of belt tension setting equipment are you using, or is it just the TWANG Method

Haha..... I like a good Twang...

 

[Macca1954]

Geo - No belt tension setting equipment required as far as I am aware;
To quote the elearn manual-
"Acting on the hexagonal bolt (1a), rotate the semi-automatic tensioner in an anti-clockwise direction, placing the tensioner (1b) moving reference in the position illustrated, i.e. about 20°-22° to the right of the position indicated by the reference (1c), then lock the fixing nut (1d)."

Seen to remember reading and doing that. Still deserves a twang when finished

 

[Jake Royd]

Have a look on YouTube.
Many videos there.
Might help you.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[dave newell]

Getting the cover out is about the trickiest part. I find it best to remove the grille, slam panel, os headlight and os wing to get best access. To remove the cover I find it best to remove the engine mount the pull the cover up and out before you lower the engine. The high pressure fuel pump mounts to the water pump, you need to pop the fuel pump pulley before you remove the belt. I made a tool to pop the fuel pump pulley (it's on a tapered shaft so is very tight) consisting of a piece of 10mm plate with three holes to line up to the three tapped holes in the pulley.

Make sure you get the new water pump seated properly before you put the bolts in, it's easy for it to be slightly pissed and you can easily crack the alloy pump body if it's not fully flat to the block.

D.