James B

Looking for someone to do a cambelt change on our mk6 Fiesta 1.4 and mk2 Focus 1.6. Ive been advised to change the water pumps too and now a garage quoted silly money and also said to change alternators as well.

Preferably looking for a mobile mechanic in Essex (RM18) or a garage that anyone can recommend thats not gonna want ridiculous money!

Both around the 75k mark. And yes I know Ford recommend 100k miles or 10 years but we are in the process of saving for a mortgage so would rather do it now then potentially having a mortgage to pay too.

Cheers, James.

saph4be

Change alternator? What a con!!

James B

That was exactly my reaction to my girlfriend but as im no mechanic I thought id get others opinions

DAN400

iTrader: (3)

they maybe ment change the alternator belt , not the alternator?

studabear

the water pump is not driven by the cambelt on them engines so not essential to replace.

James B

Definitely said alternator as it was her dad at the garage picking up her mums micra and he is very competant n is qualified in mechanical engineering.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Where abouts do you live.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

Perfectly sensible idea, I would never do 100K

As said the pump is driven from the 'auxiliary belt', therefore no need to change!

Martin

James B

Essex, RM18/RM16

coco16i

Common practice to replace the water pump when its a pump thats driven by the cambelt but thats not the case with these engine's so no need to be replacing the pumps, and as mentioned above I'm sure they would have said to replace the alternator drive belt and not the actual alternator itself as its a wear and tear item as well and has to come off anyway to change the cambelt.

James B

Oh right that's good to know. Thanks.

Anyone interested in the work??

Cosnada

iTrader: (2)

The reason the waterpump is changed is because you have the front of the engine off. If you are doing the timing belt & tensioner then its only another 10 - 15 mins to swap out the waterpump just as piece of mind.

To put the car back together for the waterpump to leak / fail is all too comon due to age / mileage. For a few quid more you have both done and peace of mind.

I know, as do others that the waterpump is not driven by the timing belt but to pay out for essentially the same job twice to some is not a gamble they wish to take.

I always replace the aux belt too as a matter of course - deffo not the alternator.