KV6 18 year old cambelts replaced

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by Jdwoodhou

Has anyone known a R75/ZT timing belt to fail through old age/high mileage? I have always regularly changed the belts on the cars I've owned, by the way.

Ironically the only time I've had a belt fail was on Citroen BX 1.6 back in the Eighties at 22,000 miles, which I'd owned from new. Fortunately it was a non-interference engine and easily repaired under warranty.

Yes I have

I shall say no more lest I incur the wrath of the man in funny coloured jeans

Brian

[Dorset Bob]

Give him a break!
Particularly as this car has covered 57,000 kms in 18 years which equates to less than 2,000 miles a year.
Looking at old threads, these cars, according to the self appointed expert, only need to have the belts changed at 90,000 miles, irrespective of time.
No need to worry, for a while, as this makes this one on a 45 year schedule!

[Dorset Bob]

Originally Posted by john116

OK, so that confuses things. The previous owner said they had never been replaced, and the comprehensive service history that came with the car, also has no indication of belts having been replaced. Was a 1 owner car until I bought it. I guess if those numbers are correct can't argue with them.

Sorry to confuse things, as you know the car better than anyone over here.
Just for comparison, here some pictures of my old belts on the last change.

DSC00212

These belts were fitted in 2008 @ 44,227 miles and replaced in 2014 @ 78144 miles.
They are dated as being manufactured in 2006 Week 24 and 2007 Week 36.
You can look at those and make your own judgement.

Anyway, no matter, as your belts were due for replacement.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Jdwoodhou

Has anyone known a R75/ZT timing belt to fail through old age/high mileage?

My investigation last year John showed that when belt breakage occurs (and it is rare), it is caused by failure of the tensioner and/or idler pulley bearings. Both John116 and I have shown that the belts can easily outlive "old age" (by which I assume you mean over six years) and "high" mileage (over 90,000 miles).

Originally Posted by Dorset Bob

These belts were fitted in 2008 @ 44,227 miles and replaced in 2014 @ 78144 miles.

I can see shading on those Bob. It's been claimed in this thread that this is a sign of weakness, but this has happened to yours after the recommended six years! I suggest that this disposes of that theory.

Originally Posted by Dorset Bob

... these cars, according to the self appointed expert, only need to have the belts changed at 90,000 miles, irrespective of time.

Everyone is a "self appointed expert" on this forum Bob. You are correct to say that the belts do not need to be changed before 90,000 miles, but I stress that the tensioner and idler pulleys do need checking before then. They pose the risk.

Simon