Yesterday I took my 03 1.8 Mk2.5 Nevada into my local garage.
I bought the car last year and it had a hand written note, in the Service Book, that the timing belt had been replaced in 2012 but there was no receipt or other evidence. So to be safe the plan was to replace the timing belt and pulleys, water pump, alternator belt, fuel filter and change the gearbox and diff oil.
I supplied the water pump, alternator belt and crush washers for the transmission oils.
When I called in late afternoon, the car was in pieces and the mechanic was looking puzzled. The problem was that the timing belt kit, from Euro Car Parts, had a belt about 5mm wider than the old one, which incidentally was a Unipart. It was too wide to fit the crankshaft pulley. I looked at the box and it mentioned 1.5lt 91=99 as well as 1.8lt.
I need a quick answer, please, about the correct belt.
p.s. the old water pump was a bit graunchy when turned, so at least that bit went well.
It is the wrong belt as there were no 1.5 litre cars with a timing belt.
Replace the belt and most motor factors will have one in stock if you cannot wait on the original vendor supplying the part.
I have to say giving garages parts to fit puts the problem back in your court and you are bound to pay any extra costs this incurs it can can be easier if you let the garage put on their mark up to their supplied parts as it takes the problem away from you and if the belt snaps in 6 months time you tell them to fix it where in the case when you supply the belt you have to prove the fitted it incorrectly.
As above, Euro car parts will sort this out quickly.
Good point re supply and fit with garage. If you supply it does potentially let then off the hook with problems.
Best scenario is to fit yourself if you can. From my experience of fitting, there is a lot of cleaning up to be done and other repairs that would never be done by a garage. I also believe that where possible doing jobs like this makes life simpler as no-one else to blame except yours truly if something goes wrong.
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Thanks for the advice
I have every confidence in the garage, who have done many jobs for me. I used to do it myself but don’t have the inclination or agility to do so now.
A replacement belt kit has arrived but it’s still a mystery what the first kit was for.
This is the new water pump
The cam box looks like new
I have been using Shell V Power Nitro since I bought the car 15 months ago. It was doing about 28mpg but since I did a Motorway blast at 70mph it has been about 32mpg, so perhaps it works.
All done now.
The engine has more zip and will pull 30mph in 5th gear, which it did not like before. Now I know it’s good for 6 more years.