Zetec cambelt change

[philwaters]

I think I know the answer, but with non-standard cams (Piper 285H's) is there an easy way to perform a cam belt change without having to fully re-time the cams?

 

I think the answer is no ☹️

 

Phil Waters

[Sheds Moderator]

There is one very dodgy and mechanically unsound method. It's not recommended for the nervous or those with an understanding of health and safety. I've never done this but heard of it.

 

With the engine idling, use a Stanley to split the belt around its circumference . Turn the engine off. Remove the front half. Slide the new belt half on, check nothing has moved then cut off the back half of the old belt. Slide the new one fully home.

 

😳

 

Now for a better method:

Follow the procedure in the Haynes manual for setting the correct engine start position. Mark the cams and crank, take copious notes. Remove the belt without endagering your fingers or the car, then set the cams up and stick a new belt on. If the tensioner is rumbly, time expired or you have a naturally cautios and thorough outlook replace it.

[philwaters]

Thanks - I remember (now that you mention it) hearing of that method myself. Not sure I am brave enough to have a go, but it is interesting. One thing that I can't quite see working though is getting the belt on - I'd have thought that with the old belt being tensioned the new one would be too tight to get to fit all the way around.

 

Non standard cams = setting up a DTI again ☹️

 

Phil Waters

[I.Mupferit]

Phil, I was thinking about this on the way home last night (saddo that I am) and I recall when I had to remove one camshaft to replace a tappet and, therefore, release the belt that I did it this way.

 

Obviously leave the pulley fixed to each cam shaft and turn the engine to the TDC mark then take a straight edge, hold across the front of both cams on the centre line and make a mark on all 4 edges (2 on each pulley obviously). Then release the belt tensioner at which point one or both cams will probably rotate a bit, replace the cam belt and check the alignment of all 4 marks. The likelihood is you will have to move one or both cams round one tooth to line up but after a couple of attempts it is quite easy to do.

 

Brent

(aka Arfur Nayo)

 

2.3 DURATEC SV Reassuringly Expensive

R 417.39 😬

[philwaters]

Cheers Brent

 

Phil Waters