Hi,
My 300tdi EDC Jap import has 200000km on the clock. My last timing belt did approx 75000 km without any problems. It didn't look particularly tired when it was replaced 10 months ago. The new timing belt just gave up after only 14000km. The parts use were all correct (cross-checked against VIN) and the tension was set as per the workshop manual. So this weekend we're about to fit a new belt but I'm still bothered as to why the previous one broke. On inspection is has worn along one edge (towards front of vehicle) and finally snapped across its width which suggest an alignment issue. The two pulleys on the the tensioner are fine, the crankshaft pulley is firmly in place (Woodruff key and it's slot are both in good condition). The camshaft pulley is OK. However, I have a doubt concerning the fuel injection pump pulley. The 3 bolts that hold the pulley to the hub are tight as is the centre nut that holds the hub to the shaft. There is however a slight movement on the pulley (less than 1mm) when grasped by hand. Could this be the culprit or is a minimal movement normal on these pumps? If this was a road wheel it would indicate a problem with the bearings. Microcat just shows the complete pump Is there a bearing that can fail on the pump shaft?
Any help or ideas would be much appreciated !

have you got lipped crank pulley or lipped tensioner

you running the modified setup? Timing belt hints and tips - by Glencoyne 4x4 (Thetford)

It's been running on the modified set-up for many years: lipped crank pulley + plain tensioner with built in spacer to replace washer in original set-up.

you use decent parts?

trax said:

you use decent parts?

Click to expand...

Not LR but good quality aftermarket - can't find the receipt but the belt was a Dayco listed as 'premium' (PR2) quality from Allmakes

Were all the pulleys aligned properly? Only reason a belt would run out of line like that is if one was not seated properly.
Possible bearing wear or even a bent bolt/stud would have the same effect. Dayco are OE supplier to LR for the timing belts. There should have been a spacer behind the one idler pulley if my memory is correct (tired and worn out after pulling an engine out of an L200, so could be mistaken)

you will have to fit a new belt a run engine with cover off , pump support to block bracket was modified as some couldnt tighten it properly without pulling on pump and front case

Had a similar fault once a guy had his belt kit upgraded and it was shot in a year he went back to the original no problems again