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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Very nearly four years.......but only a paltry 18,000 miles.

As Clint Eastwood would say........" Do you feel lucky, punk."

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Having examined my cambelt and kit on 'Pissy' recently. (that's a car that'd done 27k on those pulleys, but sat for a period of nearly 8 years) my belief is that the 40k refers to the time that the pulleys are 'safe' up to, and the 4 years refers to the time the belts are 'safe' up to. My pulleys were silent, and seemed as good as new to me, no signs of stiffness / seizing whatsoever. The belt on the other hand was showing signs of cracking when flexed.  It's been said that were it not for a new belt being included in the kit, there'd not be any real issue re-using the original belts, so only once every other 'cambelt change'.

Would I gamble that belief on my own car? Well, that's another question. But certainly worth looking at the belt, and give the pulleys a whirl, see if you can hear signs of any grumbling (which I'm certain at only 18k you won't). It's not a long job to whip the indiction and drive belt off, then look at the pulleys, so worth a nosey?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The car is driven on a regular basis so the  tensioners are never in the same position for very long.

I believe  most problems with  low mileage cars occur when they have been left standing for months or even years.

[05omegav6]

The issue with the rollers is that eventually the seals perish, allowing the grease to escape resulting in roughness and eventual seizure. If you were doing 40k a year, then two yearly would be feasible, but in your position I would go on time

[Diamond Black Geezer]

The car is driven on a regular basis so the  tensioners are never in the same position for very long.

I believe  most problems with  low mileage cars occur when they have been left standing for months or even years.

The very reason I did my Lady's cambelt - the engine sitting stationary for literally years was a concern. I have a complete genuine Vx cambelt kit in my kitchen - only used once. Belt in excellent condition apart from minor cracking everywhere 

[05omegav6]

I hope you didn't fit that belt

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Haha. Nooo. I joke I joke. The 'only used once cambelt and pulleys' sitting in my kitchen is the one that's just come off The Lady. She's on a Contitech kit as we speak. Done about 50 miles up to now. 

[05omegav6]

Phew I had visions of all your hard work suddenly going 'Clonk'

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Nooo... and the 'every 4 years' part of the rule is potentially what saved her - as if I'd simply gone by the 'every 40k' part of the rule would have meant that I'd have been driving around on that cracking, perished belt for another 13k. Given I do about 4k annually, that's another 3-4 years. Now that is worrying. A £90 kit and a bit of beer money is giving me peace of mind for another 1,460 days 

[05omegav6]

Can't argue with that

[Varche]

Time to sell it:

Old jalopy for sale. 2.6 gas guzzler. Needs cambelt (about £450 at your stealer). One careful old owner. New tyres. Never raced or rallied. Was £450 but need money for my fleet of mistresses so would accept £300 oao.Suit rich expat

[chrisgixer]

What dilemma ?

40k or 4years. Mr Harry!

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

What dilemma ?

40k or 4years. Mr Harry!

If I had unlimited funds like you, Mr Gixer........I'd tend to agree.

[The Sheriff]

What dilemma ?

40k or 4years. Mr Harry!

If I wasn't as tight as a duck's arse, Mr Gixer........I'd tend to agree.

More like it.

[chrisgixer]

Exactly. Can you afford a top end re build? No me neither. So I'd be making sure I didn't have to fix the car or buy another one to replace it, one with all the faults you've just fixed and..... Probably needs the belt doing

Although I'm sure Stmo can advise on the betting process. What odds Steve...?