Timing belt fiat ducato 2.3

[Chickie]

Thinking of changing the timing belt as van is coming up to 6 years old and done 32000km. My local garage here in France said it need not be done until 50000 kilometres. Nothing about the age of the belt. Now I am wondering what to do. Any mechanics out there have any advice.

 

[Falcon 269]

I had ours done at 5 years which is as recommended by Fiat. Nowhere the near the mileage limit for the belts (IIRC, around 90k kms or maybe more?) but you have to ask yourself, is it worth being the unlucky one whose belt fails on time not distance?

If you're keeping the vehicle for many more years yet, do it sooner rather than later. It's going to cost the same amount to change belts/water pump whenever you do it ... and it's vastly cheaper than fixing a blown motor.

 

[Garfields]

It's like when you choose to change the tyres on your van
Most are not doing the mileage to ware them out but the concern is the age of them.
I've worked on the theory that I budget £1000 a year for servicing tyres etc
Some years it comes out less sometimes a bit more
This year it was cam belt etc nixed will probably have new tyres
All part of the fun of running a van

Re the cam belt the fiat engine doesn't appear to have a bad reputation for busting belts but that may be due to most folk getting them changed at five years
All depends if you feel lucky

 

[Deneb]

Thinking of changing the timing belt as van is coming up to 6 years old and done 32000km. My local garage here in France said it need not be done until 50000 kilometres. Nothing about the age of the belt. Now I am wondering what to do. Any mechanics out there have any advice.

Read your handbook. Mine (Eu5+ X290) says "Irrespective of the mileage, the timing drive belt must be changed every 4 years for heavy-duty use (cold climates, town use, long periods of idling) or at least every 5 years."

 

[dosser]

Just changed mine coming up on of 7 yrs old 19000mls had the van for 2 years thought I'd better not chance it. Getting 2 rear tyres tomorrow loads of tread but starting to crack at the bottom of treads replaced the front last year due to wear.

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[Geo]

Cost of cam belt change is approx 10% of the cost of repairs if you dont, your on borrowed time

 

[Nasher]

In the words of Nike - Just Do It!!!!