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Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:54 am
by nxy
When do we change them? Cars coming up to to its c service (54000) but the history says that a c service was carried out at 27000.
Trying to confirm this with jct 600 at Leeds.
What would you trust a cam belt to do? 30000miles?
Should i start saving for another c service, and whats average cost.

cheers

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:50 am
by BiggestNizzy
Change the Cam Belt at this service, it won't have been done at the last C service.

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:06 am
by Rich H
If you are asking the question its time :thumbsup

The belt is lifed too, 4 years max. Dunno about current costs.

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:12 pm
by Andy G
check http://www.scottishlotuspecialists.co.uk - prices are on there. :thumbsup

If they cambelt prices aren't there give him a shout - is the car a VVC ?

non vvc - £450 inc cambelt
vvc - £470 inc camblet

Ali's on 07961445483

cheers

Andy

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:11 pm
by nxy
suppose its better doing it now rather then later, cheaper then a engine rebuild.

Richard where do you get your servicing done, Preston area lot closer then over the border.

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:25 pm
by Pedro
Mmm, think I am due a cambelt change too :(

Mine was done at 54,000 miles, but that was four years ago this month...although I believe the 4 year is just a recommendation...Think I'll still get mine done though, just to be on the safe side...need to save a bit first though. :?

Where do you stay..? Falkland Performance in Glenrothes are really well priced... :)

Cheers,
Pete :D

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:29 pm
by roadboy
nxy wrote:suppose its better doing it now rather then later, cheaper then a engine rebuild.

Richard where do you get your servicing done, Preston area lot closer then over the border.

Or you could just head east. :wink:

As Richard said, cambelts are every 4 years so it really depends when the 'C' service was carried out rather than how many miles ago.

JCT should be able to tell you if the belt was changed. If they've done a 'C' service and stamped the book as such then the belt should have been changed. If the belt wasn't changed it should have been noted in the service book as it is part of the schedule.

Give me a buzz if you need any more help. 0191 4147900

HTH

Dan@JPS

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:49 pm
by steve_weegie
Yup, if you dont know how long ago the belt was done, its time for a new one :)

Cambelt problems = world of pain

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:11 pm
by Rich H
If Dan is closer I would certainly treck over there. But I use Phoenix in Accrington. Very good service but very bust too.

I'll find their number if you need it.

Rich

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:02 am
by campbell
Ian,

When was the head done? Was a new belt fitted then?

You've got a few options for this not least Dan at Jude in Newcastle. Also consider Lotus Dealer, Formula 1, in Newcastle, they did my first cambelt change for not much more than £350 IIRC. I know inflation plays a part but I thought around £450-£500 was Murray Lotus dealer type pricing which is hefty. Ali at SLS here in Scotland is very experienced as an ex-Murray Lotus guy.

Falkland up here in Fife know their stuff as well. Always a bed for the weekend if you are doing that, as you know!

There is of course also the DIY option. Careful attention to the strict instructions and the job's a carrot. But I'm in no position to play Master to your Apprentice, we would need some more expertise on hand ;-)

Last but not least, what about some experienced specialists down your way...Camskill? Or are they just tyres etc?

Campbell

Edit - PS - should've said...other option is a workshop with good Rover or MG experience, I think Dreadnought garage in Callander fit that category. http://www.dreadnoughtgarage.co.uk/

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:50 am
by nxy
Reminds me of someones farther who decided to change his cam belt,(cant be that hard) 1 hour later destroyed engine doh!!

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:59 pm
by campbell
nxy wrote:Reminds me of someones farther who decided to change his cam belt,(cant be that hard) 1 hour later destroyed engine doh!!
<chortle>

Yep exactly the same thought crossed my mind too, probably at much the same time as you!! Real shame, but just goes to show you can't blunder in and bodge your way through *every* job in life. Some of them lend themselves very well to a "think-plan-think-replan-think-again-to-be-sure-then-do" style. Much like my own ;-)

Presumably you have plenty time to figure this out so we can have a big debate on it with everyone at Donnie?!

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:59 pm
by roadboy
campbell wrote:Ian,

When was the head done? Was a new belt fitted then?

Also consider Lotus Dealer, Formula 1, in Newcastle, they did my first cambelt change for not much more than £350 IIRC. I know inflation plays a part but I thought around £450-£500 was Murray Lotus dealer type pricing which is hefty. Campbell
:shock:

Cambelt change from us = £160

HTH

Dan@JPS

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:02 pm
by ninja
Dan did mine and is happy to drop you off at the metro centre so you can see a film while he plays with your elise!

top day out and the car fixed too!!!

ninja :drive

Re: Cam belt

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:10 pm
by ninja
i'll need mine redone next year so that'll be the second belt and will probably be before the 54k service

better safe than sorry tho - i've already had my aprilia RS250 seize on me at 80mph and that wasn't fun i don't fancy the car eating itself

ninja :drive