Timing Belt

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

 Hi all, new member here.
 I have just sent off my 1990 imported MK1 to be serviced, MOT and I asked for the Timing Belt to be changed at the same time as the car has no history and I wanted to be safe. I have since read that even if the belt were to break that the engine should not be damaged. The mechanic doing the work however said it didnt need to be changed as it was a chain not a belt.
 A fellow member from the forum confirmed that it was a belt, so I rang the mechanic back and asked for it to be changed, however he is adamant that its a chain. 
 Anyone any clues as to why he would think its a chain?

3

Definately a belt! The cam cover may give the appearance of a chain at the front, I think the engine was designed to look like the one in a sixties lotus elan.

Get him to take the front top cover off and the belt will be clearly visible. Better yet make your excuses and take the car to a proper mechanic!! It is correct the engine is non-interference so if the belt snaps no major damage should occur as the valves won’t clash with the pistons.

4

Why not take the cam cover off yourself, it’s not difficult. and check for yourself?

There are plenty of instructions on the forum to show you haw to do this. 

5

Thanks for the quick responses, i will get the car back from him i think as confidence is now gone.

6

If i were you i would tell him not to touch your car then take it to someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to 5s

EDIT seems you have come to that decision yourself [Y]

Where abouts are you? Someone may be able to recommend a nearby garage.

7

I’m in Barnsley south Yorkshire

8

I think that my next conversation with the said mechanik (sic) would start

“Step away from the car, step right away from the car” putting his hands behind his back and putting the cuffs on is entirely optional!!–

 

Get a new mechanic. The Mk3 has a chain and is the only MX5 to have this type of cam drive. Print this pic if you want to show him what a '5 cam belt looks like

9

I was going to post an item on Cam Cover removal but may be able to get some help from this post. I need to remove my cam cover from my 1.6 Mk 1 Jltd Roadster and would like to know if firstly I need to remove the cam angle sensor. Also I am slighly confused by your photo Geoff as yours has a seperate front belt cover where mine appears to be a one piece item. Were there different types ?

10

Hi Phil

I wrote a saga, here, about changing the cam cover. On a 1.6 you don’t need to disturb the CAS.
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/826.aspx

Mine looks different because it’s had the front chopped off to expose the cam gears. I will, one day, fit a set of adjustable gear wheels.

11

Cheers Geoff, thought I could rely on you to come up trumps. I have got myself a spare cam cover to “do up”. I have vapour blasted it back to bare metal so just have to decide if to paint or polish. I am thinking polishing is a bit to high maintenance and I dont have a show car,just like it to look good even though it is my daily drive.

12

 POLISH!!

13

Powder coat----

14

Thanks for the replies all. The Mechanic actually realised his mistake and has changed the belt for me. I get the car back next week, when hopefully my leather seats covers will be here for me to fit.

15

Hope he hasn’t fitted a chain in there! [:D]

I like the cut cam cover look BTW. May get hold of a spare cover and attempt this one…