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[jandroa]

Hello everyone, I have been having trouble recently with my 2001 Opel Omega V6 2.6 (https://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=151137). It has about 60.000kms and the timing belt has never been changed. The manufacturer says it has to be changed between 60,000 and 100,000km or after 8 years, as you can see it has already exceeded them by far, at least in years.  In the official workshop they ask me 1700€ (3 years warranty) for the change of the timing belt (distribution kit) and the water pump. I have asked for a price in an independent workshop to compare prices.

I am starting to think about change the car in the next two years so I do not want to spend so much money now, what would you do? is it urgent to change the distribution?

[Doctor Gollum]

Don't change it and you'll pay the price... If it fails the car is scrap, if it doesn't then any potential buyer will expect it done or hammer you on price.

Change it. The garage you have been to doesn't want the work but don't have the decency to say so.

The complete kit is about £100 -150. Water pump isn't a bad shout but isn't necessarily needed unless there's play in it or it leaks, but that's another £100.

Either that garage charges €400 an hour or they're charging you €1,200 for the warranty.

Incidentally, if the timing is off then that won't be helping your other issues.

[jandroa]

That's exactly what I was thinking after researching some prices on the web. I think I will change it regardless of whether I keep the car or not, but I will wait for the independent workshop for a more "realistic" price.

Thank you for your comments!

[Nick W]

That's exactly what I was thinking after researching some prices on the web. I think I will change it regardless of whether I keep the car or not, but I will wait for the independent workshop for a more "realistic" price.

Thank you for your comments!

I wouldn't expect to pay for more than two hours of labour, and you need to check whoever gets the job will use the timing tools.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

The interval stated by the manufacturer was changed from 8 years to 4 years a very long time ago. 

[jandroa]

4 years! I can't even imagine spending 1700€ every 4 years... So this should be a common maintenance task so I think it's ok not to stick to the official workshop.

[jandroa]

Price from the independent workshop seems to be quite more reasonable, 790€ including the water pump and 6 hours of work.

[TheBoy]

Price from the independent workshop seems to be quite more reasonable, 790€ including the water pump and 6 hours of work.

I've seen a cambelt done (properly) by Marks DTM in 45 minutes start to finish.  It was getting desperately close to Beer O'Clock, hence the speed.

6 hours sounds incorrect.

Who ever you use, they absolutely must use a locking and timing kit. It can not be done without, anyone who says it can is a liar.

[Andy B]

Price from the independent workshop seems to be quite more reasonable, 790€ including the water pump and 6 hours of work.

I've seen a cambelt done (properly) by Marks DTM in 45 minutes start to finish.  It was getting desperately close to Beer O'Clock, hence the speed.

6 hours sounds incorrect.

Who ever you use, they absolutely must use a locking and timing kit. It can not be done without, anyone who says it can is a liar.

it took me a whole week end when I did my first cam belt .... I started it but then felt unwell  so did it a bit at a time over the next few days 

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

An average competent garage mechanic doing it for the first time (and having the correct tools is a must) shouldnt take longer than an absolute maximum of three hours, and thats being generous.
Ive done the job myself on my drive in less than that, and Im far from an expert.
But yes, the specified time interval for belt and tensioners is four years. After that it could last indefinitely or go bang tomorrow.
Its Russian roulette.
Having said all that, mine is actually a couple of months past the four years as I type this. 

[jandroa]

Given that the price is 40€/hour I won't complain if it takes 6 hours, if they need that time to guarantee a good job. I would love to learn how to do it myself, but I dont't have anyone to teach me and I don't think this is one of those things you can learn on your own.

I think I'll get the job done with this mechanic, price is more reasonable than the official workshop and I've played Russian roulette long enough, almost 24 years...

[Ricky043]

I changed mine in the summer. It had done 47000 miles but the belt was last changed 20 years ago, so I wasn't prepared to take the risk. When we took the old belt off it was still in vgc. However, the belt around the LH cylinder bank cams and tensioner was a bit slack and they do say it is the tensioners that are the weak link, not so much the belt, so probably best to have changed it. ONly cost me £450 plus the belt kit and water pump as I had a special deal with my mechanic. However, it was the first one he'd done on this engine (mine was the 2.5 v6) and he said not to ask him to do it again as it was a nightmare, even with the locking kit!

[jandroa]

Finally changed without any problem, the mechanic told me that the timing belt needed changing a year ago (at least), it was not in very good condition.

[Doctor Gollum]

Piece of mind well found