Cambelt on 1999 Ford Transit

[vinrouge]

Hi Everyone. I have a motorhome and it has a 1999 Ford Transit 2.5TD diesel unit. When I bought it 5 years ago it had done 16,800 miles and had just had a new cambelt fitted (Have the receipt).

I asked the previous owner why he had changed the belt with so little mileage and he said that it should be replaced every 50,000 miles or 5 years whichever is the sooner. Mileage now is 33,000 miles but as I have had the vehicle for 5 years must I replace the cambelt now?

Hope this makes sense - grateful for any advice. (In layman's language please - I'm not very mechanical!).

Cheers, John

[nokites]

Camshaft drive belt, tensioner and idlers Every 50 000 miles/5 years - Renew - 2.5 Turbo Diesel so the answer is yes

[Altransit]

Mileage now is 33,000 miles but as I have had the vehicle for 5 years must I replace the cambelt now?

Short answer .......... yes!

[AndyG]

I'm sure it can hold on 'til the weather changes

[MinorMatt]

Yup, needs doing but it would be able to wait till it gets warmer (but if you are getting a garage to do it let them suffer the cold! )

[vinrouge]

Thanks for the advice guys, not fitting the belt myself so will book it into a garage next week. Have to be honest, I cannot understand the logic behind the parameters. Just jmagine: I get the cambelt renewed, put the vehicle in my garage for 5 years, turning it over every so often, but not actually driving it. I then decide to drive it out - would I have to get a new cambelt first?!

Please don't waste your time replying to this comment, it's a typical "Non-mechanical brain" writing.

Again - many thanks to you all.

Cheers,

John

[dodgy01]

i have spare time so i will answer it

yes the material that the cambelt is made of will deteorate over time and not just wear out
they arent to bad i changed my meighbours one this morning on his new tranny 1 1/2 hrs job done
belt kit was 70 quid all in
where abouts are you as there are a few mechanics on here that may be able to help

[vinrouge]

Thanks dodgy01, I'm sure there are lots of you guys who could guide me through it. I live in France so it's a bit difficult. Sure I could source the spare parts but then I'd have to buy tools (haven't got many) probably need a pit/ramp? So going the garage route. Booked in Next Tuesday, estimate is 300 Euros (about £280). The joys of living in France - at least we haven't got your snow!!

Cheers