Cam belt change - what's your view?

GMJ

GMJ

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Our MH has a 2017 Fiat Ducato base which has done 25k miles. The cam belt change was due at 4 years I believe.

Given that the Ducato is basically a van and therefore perhaps expected to do more than 5k miles a year, what are your views on changing the cam belt at 5 years/25k miles (i.e considerably less than a normal van would be expected to do in that time)?
 
GMJ said:
Our MH has a 2017 Fiat Ducato base which has done 25k miles. The cam belt change was due at 4 years I believe.

Given that the Ducato is basically a van and therefore perhaps expected to do more than 5k miles a year, what are your views on changing the cam belt at 5 years/25k miles (i.e considerably less than a normal van would be expected to do in that time)?
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It’s not just about mileage. The cam belt will naturally deteriorate with time, just as tyres and other parts do.
It reminds me of the Clint Eastwood movie were he points his magnum at the criminals head and asks him do you want to take the risk.
Also there are other parts to be replaced not just the belt.
For me the consequences are so severe, that I would change the cam belt.
I understand your logic, but it’s based on a false premise.
You want to enjoy your travels, and not worry that at any second the belt could fail.
 
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I haven't said I'm not changing it but just wanted some views (y)
 
I wouldn`t risk it Graham, if that`s your recommended change then do it and get the water pump done at the same time.

Fiat used to be 5 years or 60,000 miles which ever came first but it now looks like they`ve dropped it to 4 years or 120,000 kilometers which ever comes first.

Wierdly my father-in-laws Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD is 5 years / 60,000 miles but my Peugeot Boxer 2.8 HDi both of which are the same age and have the exact same engine in them even down to all the Iveco stickers and wiring loom etc. etc. etc. is 10 years or 72,000 miles for the belt change.
 
Thanks for the reminder. Just checked mine and it's five years since it was done, 1996 Peugeot boxer 2.5 TD but it's only done 9000 miles in those five years. I'll get it and the gearbox done on my return over winter.

I gather if they fail it's pretty much game over.
 
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barryd said:
Thanks for the reminder. Just checked mine and it's five years since it was done, 1996 Peugeot boxer 2.5 TD but it's only done 9000 miles in those five years. I'll get it and the gearbox done on my return over winter.

I gather if they fail it's pretty much game over.
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I had one go many years ago Barry on a Citroen. The pistons destroyed the valves and the engine was goosed.

I think modern engines are more resilient to this though but don't take my word for it!
 
Robmac said:
I had one go many years ago Barry on a Citroen. The pistons destroyed the valves and the engine was goosed.

I think modern engines are more resilient to this though but don't take my word for it!
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Ignore the last comment. Just something that somebody told me once.

Quick google search shows that modern engines are just as likely to be destroyed by a broken cam belt.
 
Robmac said:
Ignore the last comment. Just something that somebody told me once.

Quick google search shows that modern engines are just as likely to be destroyed by a broken cam belt.
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Depends whether they run interference (valves intrude into the cylinder where they cause a world of pain)

Or none interference... (Where the valves stay in the cylinder head and thus, don't cause damage)

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Robmac said:
That must have been what he was referring to.

Is their a trade off for running non-interference? Or are most modern engines built this way?
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A lot of modern stuff will be interference as it generally allows for better 'Breathing'
And thus, mpg/performance etc.... Which is important for most manufacturers.
 
My Renault Master has a timing chain rather than a belt which supposedly needs less maintenance.

This thread reminds me that I really should get it changed as the van has now done 135,000 miles or so.
 
Robmac said:
Ignore the last comment. Just something that somebody told me once.

Quick google search shows that modern engines are just as likely to be destroyed by a broken cam belt.
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The valves out of my Qasquai engine when the cambelt failed at 18 months old/45000 miles. Complete new engine, fortunately under warranty! A few years ago now, but a fairly 'modern' 1.5 diesel.

23397-99596f838dadf0020022ad9ad0715edf.jpg
 
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