Replacement Cambelt

jdk62

jdk62

Joined
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A Class Burstner
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Since 2014
We have just had the first MOT carried out on our Fiat based A Class Moho. We bought it new and it now has 12,500miles on the clock.

It sailed through the MOT, but on the paperwork, it advises that the cambelt should be replaced next year….. :oops:

Do Fiat require cambelt changes after 5 years irrespective of mileage? Can’t imagine why….
 
That's what the service schedule states but It does seem a bit premature compared to many other vans.
Although - do you know when the van was actually made - it could be a year or two older
 
There a good thread running started by Jim were people have given details of cost and recommendations from around the country which will give you an idea of costs.

Timing/Cam Belt Replacement - Cost and Location​

 
That cambelt change period by all manufacturers is one of the biggest con's going, I have done around 400,000 miles in cars and motorhomes with cam belts, never had one let go and only ever changed two belts.

I changed some belts on a Ducati 900ss and then did not use it for 7 years, changed the belts again on the ageing thing that you are talking about, there was nothing wrong with those belts that had sat there for the 7 years.

However because of the scare tactics you are pretty well obliged to change the belts otherwise the resale value will be severely affected.

I agree with you can't imagine why....

Probably a good question is who has had a cambelt break when it has not been changed? remember we are not talking about Mk 3 Cortinas with 2 litre Pinto engines anymore !!
 
And if you don't change it and it goes pop......are you prepared to spend a lot of money on an engine rebuild/renewal.
Just because others have got 'moon and back' mileages doesn't mean you will.
Think of it like a light bulb, you don't know when it's going to blow, but it certainly will.

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pappajohn said:
And if you don't change it and it goes pop......are you prepared to spend a lot of money on an engine rebuild/renewal.
Just because others have got 'moon and back' mileages doesn't mean you will.
Think of it like a light bulb, you don't know when it's going to blow, but it certainly will.
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The cost of changing all the cam belts that I would have had to change is considerable, I have lots of money in the bank on this. Lets call it an insurance policy and I am running the policy and on the right side of it !!

I guess I am lucky chap !!
 
Our soon to be son-in-law had one go at 38000 miles in his 7 year old Ford Focus. Cost him £000's for a rebuilt engine.
 
Mzracer said:
That cambelt change period by all manufacturers is one of the biggest con's going, I have done around 400,000 miles in cars and motorhomes with cam belts, never had one let go and only ever changed two belts.

I changed some belts on a Ducati 900ss and then did not use it for 7 years, changed the belts again on the ageing thing that you are talking about, there was nothing wrong with those belts that had sat there for the 7 years.

However because of the scare tactics you are pretty well obliged to change the belts otherwise the resale value will be severely affected.

I agree with you can't imagine why....

Probably a good question is who has had a cambelt break when it has not been changed? remember we are not talking about Mk 3 Cortinas with 2 litre Pinto engines anymore !!
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Had my ducato done last November after 5 1/2y asked for the old belt, it looked like new until you stressed the belt and there where small cracks on the inside of the teeth, probably would not have gone for a few more years but why take the chance as a new engine is around 10k🤔
 
Mzracer said:
Unlucky chap, I have run them well into the 150K range.
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I agree but I for one wouldn’t risk it. I have a lot of money invested in my moho and for less than £500 every five years I’ll carry on changing it.

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jdk62 said:
Do Fiat require cambelt changes after 5 years irrespective of mileage? Can’t imagine why….
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It is fairly standard for all cars/vans. The belts need to be changed on a time not usage basis as they can degrade when not in use. Your van has spent a lot of sitting still doing nothing. Not great for vehicles.
 
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We have two cars sat on the drive with belts not changed from new, one has 137K and one 145K no intention of changing either. I have so much money in the bank on this I could afford to change an engine but I won't have to, I am on the right side of the curve.

Motorhome has a chain !!

Sorry to pose an alternative view.

Now ask how many people have had other failures relating to disturbing a perfectly well running engine.
 
Mzracer said:
We have two cars sat on the drive with belts not changed from new, one has 137K and one 145K no intention of changing either. I have so much money in the bank on this I could afford to change an engine but I won't have to, I am on the right side of the curve.

Motorhome has a chain !!

Sorry to pose an alternative view.

Now ask how many people have had other failures relating to disturbing a perfectly well running engine.
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I think I might go along with you on a circa 145K mile car. It's probably not worth a lot anyway. However a 5 year old motorhome worth anywhere from £50,000 - £100,000 is another matter. From that perspective £500 is pocket money.
 
I've had 3 cambelts go. Two on a car with a non interface cam (I think that's what it's called), so cost nothing. One on a Daewoo about 15 years ago ( I think it was) that went before it's due date in time and mileage and it cost me around £2k and Daewoo supplied the parts at 'cost'!!

I have everything done now before it's due. It's just not worth the risk in my view. No doubt for everyone who has had one go, there will be several thousands who haven't, but I just put it down to annual running and repair costs and get it done. I just wish it was something I felt confident enough to do myself!!

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Mzracer said:
"they can degrade when not in use"

Not on the Ducati
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I assume you mean the Ducato, not the motorbike? ;)

Why would you say that? A timing belt is a timing belt. They are all the same - made from Rubber/plastic. Do you know something thats special about a Fiat Ducato timing belt?
 
I had one go on a Renault Clio 1900 diesel 80000 mile driving school car so had some stick.
A mate of mine had a look inside the head and top of the piston's all ok .as it had a sheer pin in the top pulley so no damages.
 
Had mine changed today.I am not willing to take the chance of breaking.(Probably won't).But for £350. not worth the hassle of engine failure which would be a lot more.
 
VXman said:
I think I might go along with you on a circa 145K mile car. It's probably not worth a lot anyway. However a 5 year old motorhome worth anywhere from £50,000 - £100,000 is another matter. From that perspective £500 is pocket. money,
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you are right of course
 
VXman said:
I assume you mean the Ducato, not the motorbike? ;)

Why would you say that? A timing belt is a timing belt. They are all the same - made from Rubber/plastic. Do you know something thats special about a Fiat Ducato timing belt?
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My 2015 Ford Fiesta has a rubber/plastic timing belt ----- running in oil! - What are they thinking?
Its recommended to be changed every 62,000 miles or ten years - go figour :Eeek:

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laurieash said:
I had one go on a Renault Clio 1900 diesel 80000 mile driving school car so had some stick.
A mate of mine had a look inside the head and top of the piston's all ok .as it had a sheer pin in the top pulley so no damages.
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Sorry but how does that prevent damage?
 
Rogerwyn said:
Had my ducato done last November after 5 1/2y asked for the old belt, it looked like new until you stressed the belt and there where small cracks on the inside of the teeth, probably would not have gone for a few more years but why take the chance as a new engine is around 10k🤔
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Interested to know what your mileage was at the time of the belt change?
 
After careful consideration just had ours changed. Fiat Ducato 18 plate @ 20k miles - so five years on the road (with remission for the ‘plague’) plus say another year while it was in conversion. With a minor service that left no change out of £1k😱. Was it worth it? For peace of mind - yes as I didn’t like the idea of gambling with the possibility of the expense of an engine rebuild should the belt fail. Your van, your money, and your choice though.
 
I've just had ours replaced at 5 years but it got me thinking in general about cambelts.
Fiat do say if your engine has been idling a lot then you should count this as severe use and stick to 5 years etc. Don't see myself how this makes any difference, its in motion, yes, but with low forces and velocities. It is possible that alternating loads are more prevalent at idle than other speeds?
Any alternating load is far more damaging than a unidirectional load.

The 5 year time is also worth consideration.
This effectively means if you had a new cambelt and then parked the vehicle for 5 years you would then have to fit another one?
This must mean that volatile elements of the belt are lost over time a bit like plastic embrittlement etc.

I find it very frustrating that no auto maker makes an engine with a fabric belt that lasts the life of the engine.
One that does perhaps 100000 miles or 10 years would be a start.

Even with chain drives , often links loosen and stretch and tensioners fail at high mileages.

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