2.0 wet belt to chain conversion...possible ?

[sherwoodcycles]

Apologies in advance if I'm being a bit thick.
I'd like to fantasise about getting a newer custom but am massively put off by the wet belt situation. (
(I have the 2.2)
I've read about wetbelt to chain conversions but they all seem to be for the 1.8 engine.

Is the 2.0 the same ?

[metalworker0]

The 1.8 was designed with a chain to start with ..and they put a wet belt in on later models ...the whole timing chain comes as a cassette ready to install, as does the wetbelt...very short - self contained and does not snake up to the top of the engine or run two camshafts...as there is a dry belt at the top to drive the single overhead camshaft

The 2.0 was designed as a wet belt engine ...there is no cassette. and you have also another wet belt running the oil pump and there is no talk anywhere about a conversion. ..yet .


all the best.mark

[sherwoodcycles]

OK thanks for that.

[taz666]

Unfortunately not. The cam gears are not bolted to the cams. I think at the factory the gears are heated and the cams are frozen and then the 2 are mated in the correct position unless of course you could get gears manufactured to the exact size with the correct timing holes then it's not possible

[srj999]

I'm unlikely to be the first to post this but, for those who don't know, the 2.2 Panther diesel will eventually come fitted with a cam chain again. I am working with the engineering team that is doing this very thing in DEP (Dagenham Engine Plant).

The belt has been the single largest source of complaint for this engine and, while it should pose no issues if replaced regularly, changing the belt is not cheap as it's difficult to access.

The cam chain version is due to be released in summer 2026. You're welcome.

[Altransit]

I'm unlikely to be the first to post this but, for those who don't know, the 2.2 Panther diesel will eventually come fitted with a cam chain again. I am working with the engineering team that is doing this very thing in DEP (Dagenham Engine Plant).

I trust that you mean that the 2.0 is being converted from a wetbelt to a chain, because the 2.2 already has one

[metalworker0]

That's what i thought Alan ..perhaps they are developing a new 2.2 ecoblue

all the best.mark

[srj999]

I'm unlikely to be the first to post this but, for those who don't know, the 2.2 Panther diesel will eventually come fitted with a cam chain again. I am working with the engineering team that is doing this very thing in DEP (Dagenham Engine Plant).

I trust that you mean that the 2.0 is being converted from a wetbelt to a chain, because the 2.2 already has one

I've been away a while so missed this. Sorry - yes, I meant 2.0 litre Panther engine, rather than the 2.2 Puma. My bad.

[dumper]

From what I’ve read Ford made a mistake with the oil spec and oil change intervals now it’s gone back to the 2.2 oil spec and 24000 miles oil change if you buy used you have to hope the original owner has had the service interval done to keep the warranty active my latest van had 12000 miles but the first thing I did was change the oil and filter Ford will do the two year service next year I’m expecting to do 8 to 10 thousand a year but it will get it done every year no matter what even if only 3 thousand like cv19 lockdown that my last van got oil and change

[Altransit]

The cam chain version is due to be released in summer 2026. You're welcome.

Well, here we are, it should be due about now

[dumper]

As I understand it they are not changing the oil pump wet belt so is a half a job it cam belt goes looking on YouTube you can get away with the cam box and fittings but if a oil belt goes are you going to lose the crankshaft and turbo and destroy the engine

[Altransit]

As I understand it they are not changing the oil pump wet belt so is a half a job it cam belt goes looking on YouTube you can get away with the cam box and fittings but if a oil belt goes are you going to lose the crankshaft and turbo and destroy the engine

As you say, 'Arfur Job'

[dumper]

Al it looks like it’s 6 years or 60000 miles recommended change I’d probably just go with that if I still need the van then with me doing mainly long runs and give it oil changes earlier than recommended it will probably last longer time will tell

[metalworker0]

its not going to be a DIY conversion

look here

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ti8AAeSw ... -l960.webp

how are the sprockets held on?
how will the new ones be held on,
how will you know if they are in the right place, if you got that far .

seems like a conversion would involve a new camshaft carrier.. which are getting cheaper by the month .. think around this time last year they were over £500, now £325 ish

still going to be a £1000 job me thinks

all the best.mark

[dumper]

its not going to be a DIY conversion

look here

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ti8AAeSw ... -l960.webp

how are the sprockets held on?
how will the new ones be held on,
how will you know if they are in the right place, if you got that far .

seems like a conversion would involve a new camshaft carrier.. which are getting cheaper by the month .. think around this time last year they were over £500, now £325 ish

still going to be a £1000 job me thinks

Yes Mark I agree unless a belt has gone and you need a camshaft cassette and just changing the belt it’s not really worth it you can get a full belt kit on eBay for less then £400 unless you’re a self employed currier most private owners would only need to charge once even chains don’t last for ever like the early mk 6 had chain problems unfortunately it’s not only Ford that have wet belts in the past I’ve even had gear driven timing gear strip steel and fibre ones
all the best.mark