Cam belt and brake fluid for a car that does not go very far

[Pelico]

Lack of time means I sadly rarely use my Seven. 94 miles in last two years, this years tax disc is still on my desk.

 

I still do an oil and filter change every year, but thinking about the other big service items - the cam belt and brake fluid have not been replaced in about 8 years.

 

Car had done about 1000 miles in that time.

 

I probably know the answer to this, but should either or both be changed?

 

Car is 1800 K series, dry sump.

 

Edited by - pelico on 22 Aug 2014 12:54:46

[Jonathan Kay]

Yes. Both, regardless of miles.

 

Jonathan

[Pelico]

Thought so 😬

[Myles]

Worn timing wheels aside, one of the reasons I lunched my valves four or so years ago was probably because my cambelt was five or so years old and had been trying to drive what I seem to remember being just about the most aggressive hydraulic cams that a k-series will take (before solid lifters are a must).

 

The cambelt in my 2002 Ford Focus was rated to ten years or a certain mileage that I didn't get close to - that is/was pretty exceptional.

 

Brake fluid is a 2year (max) non-negotiable refresh.

[Pelico]

I hate brake fluid, ever since I spilled a bit down the side of my Austin Healey Sprite 20 years ago.

[john m ryan]

Just recently changed the cam belt on my car after 3years.

[The Laddie]

Just had a new one fitted after it sliced through my oil pipe

[Myles]

Ought to point out that my Focus was almost ten years old when I finally got too jittery about he cambelt and sold the car rather than risk it any more or incur disproportionate coats to replace it (it would be a home-job but for the need to obtain/make a particular tool).

 

That said, I was using the DVLA VED checker on my other cars yesterday and did check the status of the Focus, 18 months or so after I sold it.

 

It does not show up in the system - so presumably has been scrapped (or received a cherished plate - which is highly unlikely for a sub£1k banger).

 

I wonder whether the belt finally let go....?

[Pelico]

Getting it done on Friday.

 

Anyone remember off hand what DVA recommends as the cam timing for my vernier pulleys.

 

1.8k, lightly ported head.

[Pelico]

Sorry, should have said - Super Sport cams

 

I think the answer is

 

Lift at TDC

Inlet 60 thou

Exh 50 thou

 

 

 

 

 

Plenum in inches TBs in inches

Profile identity Duration Lift (mm) Inlet Exhaust Inlet Exhaust

1369/VVC exhaust/TF135/PTP140 252 9.32 .030" .025" .035" .030"

BP270 (new) 260 9.65 .040" .030" .050" .040"

633 264 10 .045" .035" .060" .055"

1320 268 10.6 .045" .035" .070" .060"

Caterham SS .060" .045-.050" .080" .060-.065"

BP285H 274 11 .110" .095"

BP285M (740) 276 11.2 .120" .100"

VHPD (827) 280 10.2 .130" .115"

1227 280 11.2 .140" .125"

1444 278 12 .140" .125"

2180/1444 290 12.4 .160" .130"

[nickh7]

Pelico , I am happy to add a few miles on for you to get the oil warm before the fluids are all changed.

 

I am in Wilmslow for a meeting on the 2nd September so can take it for a spin afterwards for you if you like

[Pelico]

Thanks Nick.

 

Help yourself. What could possibly go wrong 😬

[Myles]

I woke up this morning and realised that my Caterham has sat around doing only mot miles for the last four or so years (Westie has taken the strain until this year when I started using the Caterham a bit again)....

 

....so, although I diligently changed the brake fluid on its second anniversary, my cambelt is also, possibly, worth considering for replacement on age grounds!