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[charlieboy]

hi, I have a 2.6 auto, and looking through the service book a naew cam belt was fitted in August 07 and have learned from this forum,this needs to be checked and /or replaced in 4 years or 40,000 miles, well I havent done anywhere near the miles but the 4 years is approaching I have a price of about£375 for replacemant, can any members enlighten me if this important enough to spend this money, I only do about 8000miles a year  what would be the consequences if I didnt have it done and it went wrong? (I would add that the belt was changed in 2007, before I bought the car so am not clued up on the proceedure.... many thanks

[Omega_Dan]

Out of all the jobs to be done on omega's Cambelt and tensioners are very important to change. regardless of mileage every 4 years is whats needed.

[Elite Pete]

If a tensioner (its more than likely a tensioner will break before the belt does) lets go and the belt slips you could be looking at worse cause scenario of the rebuilding of both of the heads. Make sure you get the water pump replaced at the same time as well

[Andy B]

.... what would be the consequences if I didnt have it done and it went wrong? .......

Cam shafts open the valves, cam belt drives the cams so if the belt breaks you end up with 24 valve getting very intimate with 6 cylinders resulting in severe open wallet surgery. 
The 40 000 miles is quite a short interval by today's standards, but it was reduced to this from 80 000 miles after Vauxhall had to stump up for loads of warranty work when belt tensioners failed.
Of all the jobs that you need to do, the cam belt is one you need to keep on top of, and  oil changes. 

[Kevin Wood]

Yes, the most important servicing task. If the belt fails (and not many neglected ones last significantly longer than the 40k/4 year service interval in our experience) it will bend valves and both heads will have to come off.

Given that yours is up to 4 years, at 8K a year it won't be that far off the 40k mileage limit, and you are relying on the service history as a true record of when it was last done, I would get it done now.

Incidentally, ensure that both the belt and the tensioner pulleys are being changed, as it's the latter that fail. Also ensure it's entrusted to someone with the correct locking kit. I would be inclined to get one of the "mobile mechanics" on the forum to do it if you're not able to do it yourself.

Kevin

[JamesV6CDX]

If you ever get across to Gloucestershire, then I'll do it as a freebie (providing you supply the bits, of course!)

[charlieboy]

well thanks for that,pity i am up here in Norfolk , and it sound from the other replys that I ought to get it done, before I start caravaning, but many thanks for the offer....

[T-rev]

PM Darth Loo Knee, he did mine in a couple of hours and is very well recommended here on the forum.

[Ploppy]

PM Darth Loo Knee, he did mine in a couple of hours and is very well recommended here on the forum.

Charlieboy ,

I use Darth Loo Knee aka Daz , although it is a drive from Norfolk, well worth him working on your car !!

I too live in Norfolk , that says it all...

Ploppy

[Lazydocker]

PM Darth Loo Knee, he did mine in a couple of hours and is very well recommended here on the forum.

Charlieboy ,

I use Darth Loo Knee aka Daz , although it is a drive from Norfolk, well worth him working on your car !!

I too live in Norfolk , that says it all...

Ploppy

And even with the fuel it's probably not a lot more money for a much better job

[albitz]

Which reminds me, mine needs doing in the next 3 thousand miles.

[Lazydocker]

Which reminds me, mine needs doing in the next 3 thousand miles.

Perhaps the Pink One fancies a trip down this way then... Could do both of you (pun intended!)

[albitz]

  ..............I actually want to fit it myself. Ive only done it once before - on my old mig about three years ago, so I want the experience. I would like to witness his legendary "setting up skills" though, to get the timing absolutelt spot on.

[Lazydocker]

..............I actually want to fit it myself. Ive only done it once before - on my old mig about three years ago, so I want the experience. I would like to witness his legendary "setting up skills" though, to get the timing absolutelt spot on.

If it's a day when I'm off I'll pop down and take the pi$$ give some moral support

JCB has a locking kit and DVD, although it's in my possession at the moment

[albitz]

Sounds good LD.