Hi Pete
If the belt is the original it needs changing and also change the auxiliary drive belt as it is not worth the risk running such an old belt

The clutch I would bleed some new fluid through it a d see if that improves it

Dave

Definitely leave the head gasket alone, we have a yellow 2003 1.8 ZS which was supplied and serviced by us from new with 220,000+ miles on it, never had a head gasket, engine is sweet as a nut and passes emissions first time every time, mind you, the bodywork and interior are shot!

As Dave says and a quoted the post the other day


With the age of your belt (potentially over 3 times the recommended service period ) I would certainly change it as Rubber does deteriorate with age . I have recently changed my own including water pump using parts supplied by DMGRS .

Coolant is also a service item and with OAT should be changed out every 4 years and its importance often overlooked by owners

When sourcing your spares for your timing belt change include one of
tools linked below to lock your cam sprockets , That page also recommends full kits for your 1.8 as well

https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/...r-2626-vse180b
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/...39845780029603

Thanks, all for the much valued input.

My current plan is to purchase, clutch kit inc slave and master cylinders, timing belt kit kit with tensioner and water pump, service items kit, gasket set kit inc head gasket, cam sprocket tool, and a magnetic oil drain plug.

I'll check the hoses, and will have the car on a ramp tomorrow, to have a good poke around the brakes and suspension underneath, in case I need to add anything else to the shopping list. Hopefully not. It all feels quite good driving (apart from the steering at speed) and it stops well. Handbrake is fine currently too.

The problem now is it aint cheap and easy ordering stuff from the UK anymore, post Brexit. Tarif free my NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-NAUGHTY WORD-. The shipping companies can add as much as they like now (customs clearance service charges) because there is nothing stopping them from doing it. So, why wouldn't they. It's a lottery how much the fee will be when it arrives on your doorstep.

For this reason I'll grab what I can fit in my suitcases, while I'm in the UK, and pack the rest with the seats I'm personally shipping.

When I get back, I'll service the engine, and check the condition of the timing belt for obvious problems. if it looks good I'll do the service, along with the fault finding for the indicator telltail light, and door locking etc, set the digital water temp display, and bleed the clutch. Plus anything brake and suspension related if we find anything tomorrow. I'll then get the wheel alignment checked and corrected if necessary - hope this is the steering issue.

Then gonna fit my new interior inc power/heated seats, rear power blind, powerfold mirrors (still need the passenger side bullet powerfold mirror - anyone?) etc, when that all arrives toward the end of august. I'll continue with the fault finding at this stage if it's pointing to a K bus problem. - This should keep me busy for a while :)

Then I'll do the timing belt, along with the ancillary belt, and the clutch if there is no improvement after bleeding it.

The head gasket will be on the shelf should I ever need it.

Thanks again all :bowdown:

Gates belts Always, top quality, all good mechanics use them , yes they are a little more expensive but quality is never cheap. I buy most of my parts from Autodoc there is a wide choice of service parts from top manufacturers including TRW etc all at prices to you will be surprised at!

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