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[jereboam]

Some years ago, when getting one of my children's cars serviced, I observed that my local garage owner was not in the best of tempers.  It transpired that he was in the process of changing the cam belt on a Vauxhall V6 engine.   He said a few words which I really wouldn't want to repeat here, even if I could spell them.  He doesn't like the V6.

So he wasn't exactly delighted when he saw what I bought 3 years ago, but he's a good friend and he does a good job with all the famly cars, so he's been looking after it for me and doing a good job.  

The Elite was serviced about 6 months ago, and I haven't been driving much since then - I've not been well.  Thanks to this forum, I've just discovered that - guess what - the garage didn't change the cam belt when it was due.  About 4000 miles ago!  The car is running fine (apart from the climate control ).  

What should I do?  Ask my garage to do the job or find a specialist and make sure it get's done properly?  Should I stop driving it till the belt has been changed?

Does anyone know of a specialist in the Ipswich/Bury St. Edmunds area?

[Lazydocker]

Mine's getting done tomorrow by a chap in Felixstowe... He's a retired police mechanic and comes highly recommended through a chap at work. He's also quite cheap!!  

I'll have a word and see what he'll charge you as I'm getting some other bits done too. I'd advise sticking a new water pump in at the same time because he's got to strip it out anyway!

Andy at Drive Vauxhall in Bury may be able to help you with someone more local? This is the link to his profile: http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?action=viewprofile;username=andyc

[Kevin Wood]

If this guy curses and swears about them he's not the right person for the job. However, it needs doing ASAP. I would watch the DVD, borrow a timing kit and do it yourself. Only way to know it's been done properly these days.

Kevin

[hotel21]

The Elite was serviced about 6 months ago, and I haven't been driving much since then - I've not been well.  Thanks to this forum, I've just discovered that - guess what - the garage didn't change the cam belt when it was due.  About 4000 miles ago!  The car is running fine (apart from the climate control ).  

Burning question must be, did he charge you for it though!!

As said, you are literally on borrowed time.  If you trust the fella, point him in the direction of OOF and see if you can get him to do it properly, with the correct tools.

Or, also as said, get a copy of the DVD and arm yourself with the use of the tools and someone to assist/moral support and do it yourself....  And save a fortune!

[Lazydocker]

I'm in Woodbridge and would be more than happy to give you a hand (I used to earn my living as a mechanic) but am, unfortunately, very busy at the moment. The only real reason I'm paying someone to do mine is because he's doing it for peanuts! I couldn't even buy the locking kit for what he's charging me in labour. Couple that to time, because this doesn't appear to have been done for about 65k miles so it needs doing now!

[HolyCount]

Whichever way you go to get the belt done, don't drive too far or hard in the meantime! That will wreak havoc if the belt goes!! Maybe give the DVD to your mate so he can see how to do it properly.

[jereboam]

I talked to my local garage - he'll do it.  It's not a job he's keen on, but he has all the kit for doing it, including the locking kit.  I told him to do the water pump, tensioners and aux belt - anything else?

It's booked in for next Wednesday, he can let me have a loan car, and he says to allow two days, because he never manages to do anything to my car without finding some sort of problem.  But, as I say, he's very good, he only charges £32 p/h for labour, and he only fits good quality parts.

Unfortunately, I've got to go to London on Saturday - not been up to see my family for 6 months, and the Aged Aunts are both pushing 91.  Thats going to be 250 miles I could have done without.  Ho hum

[jereboam]

Just in passing - my boss took his newly acquired Audi in to have the cam belt done yesterday.  He had to go home by taxi and he's looking forward to a bill for £900.

I love my Omega

[Danny]

Just in passing - my boss took his newly acquired Audi in to have the cam belt done yesterday.  He had to go home by taxi and he's looking forward to a bill for £900.

I love my Omega

thats why i didnt buy an audi

[ians]

3.0  = plenum off job, so I would
- replace sparks if not done recently
- clean breathers
- check camcovers not leaking and replace if they are.

[jereboam]

Last time it was in, it had a full service and the cam covers were replaced, because of the smell of burning oil.  Don't know whether he knows about the breathers, but I'll get him to check.  Same for the plugs.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's a "plenum"?  Dredging up my 5th Form Latin, can I guess that it's something like a manifold?

[jereboam]

Weyhey! I just became a Junior at 62

[Andy B]

.....
, but what's a "plenum"?  Dredging up my 5th Form Latin, can I guess that it's something like a manifold?

Correct. The big silver thing in the middle.

[Lazydocker]

As you must be able to work out from your latin... Literally a coming together.  i.e. Where things come together.

[HolyCount]

As you must be able to work out from your latin... Literally a coming together.  i.e. Where things come together.

So .... if you have had a succesful night out, pulled and had a great night in bed, might you be able to brag about your plenum that night