mick the builder · Jul 2, 2018

Just watching car sos and they did a neat little trick to change a cambelt. He cut the belt length wise down the middle. Then he cut the front section in half and removed it. Next he slid the new belt on halfway, cut the remaining half of the belt off and pushed the new belt all the way on. Cable tie the belt together in the middle, change the tensioner then cut the tie. job done. No messing around with timing marks, pins etc. Takes all the fear out of changing a timing belt. New to me, anyone else tried it?

Clunkbucket · Jul 2, 2018

I did that a few times on mates cars and my own when I was much younger and less cautious. None of the vehicles ever seemed to have an issue, but I always thought it was a bit of a bodge and when I grew up I would do it properly! Grown up a bit now but never had a Timing belt to do, however time is coming when I must do one on my TDi so will be interested to know if anyone thinks it's a terrible idea!

shadyadie · Jul 2, 2018

Clunkbucket said:
I did that a few times on mates cars and my own when I was much younger and less cautious. None of the vehicles ever seemed to have an issue, but I always thought it was a bit of a bodge and when I grew up I would do it properly! Grown up a bit now but never had a Timing belt to do, however time is coming when I must do one on my TDi so will be interested to know if anyone thinks it's a terrible idea!

I've just done one, (using the timing marks) on a 200 DI, never done one before and took my "time" with it, main one, was half the bolts were rounded from whoever did it before, so ordered a new set from Stig Fasteners they were all fine except one that I had to use 4 washers to pack out, getting the pulley bolt off was the worst get a really decent impact driver before you start and it will come off easy, instead of using a bar for hours. If I can do it any one can.
Got a full kit including oil seal, tensioner pulley, pulley and gaskets also bought new alternator belt and power steering belt.

Kev12 · Jul 2, 2018

I think I could set timing marks and pins quicker than I could slice the old belt lengthways

Kwakerman · Jul 2, 2018

mick the builder said:
Just watching car sos and they did a neat little trick to change a cambelt. He cut the belt length wise down the middle. Then he cut the front section in half and removed it. Next he slid the new belt on halfway, cut the remaining half of the belt off and pushed the new belt all the way on. Cable tie the belt together in the middle, change the tensioner then cut the tie. job done. No messing around with timing marks, pins etc. Takes all the fear out of changing a timing belt. New to me, anyone else tried it?

Think I remember that episode but would be a bit dubious as to whether you could do it on a TDI as I suspect you would have issues sliding the new belt on after getting it over the flange of the crank shaft pulley without loosening belt tension. If you have to do that then you may as well just do the job properly!

jamesmartin · Jul 2, 2018

i do and would allways use pins/marks etc as i loke to know timing is as accurate as possible

reiny · Jul 3, 2018

There is really nothing to be afraid of to replace a cambelt. Land Rover tdi engines for example are totally idiot proof. Just use the right tools (which do not cost a bomb) and it's a doddle. I must admit that the first time I did one scared the daylights out of me. Just be methodical, follow instructions to the letter and there's nothing to worry about.

lightning · Jul 3, 2018

How did they cut the belt in half lengthways?

Steve Flint · Jul 3, 2018

With a Stanley knife, easy.

Kev12 · Jul 3, 2018

Steve Flint said:
With a Stanley knife, easy.

By the time you've turned the engine to be able to cut through it you could have got pins in. I dont see you being able to do it in 1 go, not with so many pullies

Steve Flint · Jul 3, 2018

I am not saying I would do it on a Land rover. The question was how do you cut a belt in half lengthways.
It is a procedure that is regularly carried on many engines.

Kwakerman · Jul 3, 2018

Steve Flint said:
I am not saying I would do it on a Land rover. The question was how do you cut a belt in half lengthways.
It is a procedure that is regularly carried on many engines.

Redneck it, start the engine and stick a stanley knife blade in it between two pulleys!

wattfield · Jul 3, 2018

Kwakerman said:
Redneck it, start the engine and stick a stanley knife blade in it between two pulleys!

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