kiteboystu

Hi all,

REF: 2008/58 Ford Focus 1.8TDi Zetec. Currently has 89k.

Cambelt is due around 100k mark.

I'm trying to get some costs for an early cambelt change (it's also due a light service; had a full one last year).

I'm getting differences of opinion from various garages and EVEN from Ford Service / Parts as to whether it DOES or DOES NOT have a WET BELT as well as a timing belt/chain.

WTF is a wet belt and has my car deffo got one or not?

What's THE best way to find out? lift the lid and look?

Confused Dot Com and then some!!!

IF it does have a wet belt, does it need changing, and when?

Thanks in advance as always guys...

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

It refers to a belt which runs in oil, hence the name.

It seems there was a transition and the only way identification is possible is by removing the cover, in any event both require replacement.

Martin

kiteboystu

Thanks Martin,

By cover do you mean the big plastic one (which my engine is missing) or the actual metal casing of the engine itself?

Adder

No need to remove the timing cover !
If you remove the tensioner and the end of the plunger is flat, Then you have belt . If when removed it has a slight dome it's a chain. If your unlucky enough to have a belt, get it changed asap ! My daughters Galaxy distroyed it's self recently. I've since rebuilt a second engine but with the a timing chain conversion. Do a search on YouTube theirs a guy on there tells you what what. The adapted boss you need is actully a Ford part ! The boss and aftermarket chain is about 300 quid plus fitting .

Hope this helps

Adder

kiteboystu

Many thanks Adder, I guess I'd better drop it into my garage and tell them to see what they find and report back. Found a very useful video thankyou.
I guess I need to decide if it's worth throwing money at it or buy a newer mota.

If it's NOT got a wet belt I'm looking at around Ł450 for a Service, Cambelt and Water Pump (best price I've got, and I asked several garages).

If it HAS got a wet belt it's more like Ł750 (including the wet belt chain conversion kit).

Wet belt is due at 125k, Cambelt is due at 100k - car has done 89k. I know they can both go early though.

I need to have a think...

Adder

Thats the vid I was talking about. Tbh a mate of mine has the 1.8 in a focus and its nudging 250k And he's not shy with it ethier ! I think if you have the chain which is a duplex jobbie I rekon you'll be ok if not the Ford numbers are:

Cassette - F1198056
Tensioner - F 1105977
Hub - F1508244
Bolts - F1352698

This little lot is a bit dare but you motor factors will be able to get an ultra parts kit with all in including the Ford boss . The difference is that the Ford cassette come built up were the ultra parts one you to put together youself. Anyway good luck with it

Adder

kiteboystu

Cheers for the extra info Adder, It's going in on Monday for inspection...

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Normally it's the upper belt that gets done and the bottom one is forgotten about. Even if it's a chain it still needs changing at the same interval. I had both done on my old Mondeo, it was a ciuple of years ago now but i think the cost was getting on for a grand!

stevieturbo

Is the service interval not stated as 150k for these ??

Ford really must have been drinking some serious shit when they came up with that design and service interval !

Lots of them will spill their guts before 100k.

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

Exactly, which is why I can't understand why you would want to change from a belt to chain, as your not gaining anything!

I can never understand why they specify 100k for a cambelt either.

Martin

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

It is rarely the belts that fail, but the tensioners. It is all to do with sales figures. People are drawn in by long service intervals which makes the car more appealing to someone doing a lot of miles, however by the time that a lack of servicing is causing problems, the warranty is long gone so the manufacturers don't need to care.

kiteboystu

Quick Update

Firstly, it has NO Wet Belt.

The cars all sorted - Service and Cambelt done.

Very interestingly though, the mechanic said he was 'surprised' (but in a good way) when he lifted the bonnet to reveal what he described as 'an earlier derivative of the escort engine'?! which they made up to around 2003 for Escort Cars and Vans.

This mean't it was a lot simpler and easier to work on apparently AND that it was Ł100 cheaper.

Ł350 for the Service and Cambelt change.

So there we have it.

Pays to shop around

One garage insisted it DID have a Wet Belt and quoted me Ł850!

Thanks all for your input.

I hope this thread helps anyone else out with the same mota as me.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

It is basically an old escort van engine and your mechanic is wrong - he has only changed the upper one and not the lower wet belt/chain which everyone seems to forget. You need to take it to someone else for it to be done again properly.

stevieturbo

Was thinking that sounds extremely cheap for a belt and chain renewal !