cam beltssssssssssssssssssssss

[David & Ann]

I have always worked with the basis of 4 years or 48,000 miles regardless of maufacturer's rating, as I have worked on vehicles within the "so-called" manufacturer's guide that have broken a cambelt tensioner or just plain and simple belt failure.
The Fiat engine (up to say 2006 JTD) on either a 2.5 or 2.8 is refered to as a direct injection engine. When the cam belt snaps, this particular engines piston and valves will 90% clash, causing vale bend and worst case crack/damage the piston. Minimum damage you are looking at a new cylinder head and valves (as the valve stems bend in the cylinder head and cannot be removed), worst case complete engine rebuild or exchange engine.
My old works service van (fleet serviced I might add ) tensioner bearing gave out at 52,000 miles, causing complete engine damage (RPM was 3,400 at the time of fail). A exchange engine was fitted at a cost of £3800 + vat.

Your Motorhome is your pride and joy.................. don't take chances!! If you do not know the belt's history, change it along with any tensioners or pulleys.

What would a brand new engine cost for a Fiat Ducato 2.8 jtd? no probs with engine, just curious.

 

[NicknClair]

What would a brand new engine cost for a Fiat Ducato 2.8 jtd? no probs with engine, just curious.

Yup, cannot recall the total bill (including clutch whilst the engine was out etc etc). It was a 2.8JTD, 2003 plate maxi chassis. Had the belt replaced as part of the sale of the Swift when I bought it and like a previous post, I asked for all the old tensioner parts as proof that a cam belt kit was used and not just a replacement belt.

 

[Nolly]

Hi Cipro.
It's worth giving John Cross Motorhomes workshop a call. I spoke with them in relation to my situation and was told that they recommend changing a cam belt at 60000 mls or 5 year intervals. That's for a 2.3 JTD. Their quote for doing the job seemed reasonable.
Regards Nolly.