Another KV6 timing belt thread (I know!)

Indiana_Jones · 4th March 2013, 08:54

Sorry lads, just wondering if there's any definitive/'how to' thread on replacing the timing belts for a KV6 engine?

I've tried searching and have got some info, but not really a full on step by step with photos, but saying that I do have the Haynes manual on the way.

Pretty much I have a 2.0L 75 with just over 100,000km on the clock. I have no idea if the belts have been done, but at that many km's and most Kiwi's attitude to car maintenance, I'm going to assume no.

So my choices are:

-Don't do it and prey/run her into the ground.....not really a choice!

-Pay around $2000NZD for a workshop to do the job, I'm getting a quote made up at the moment.

-Do it myself, this I'm a bit scared about as this is my first car with overhead cams (I'm used to 1800 B-series engines), let alone with 3 timing belts!

Can it be done by a rookie? or is it a case of biting the bullet this time, handing over some cash and then hopefully with some more know how down the line do it myself (assuming I have the car still etc)

Cheers,

-Indy

SD1too · 4th March 2013, 10:41

Andrew,

You'll be fine with your experience and a Haynes manual. If any questions crop up, just ask here and you'll get a quick response. Remember that a timing belt is, in principle, exactly the same as the chain on your B series. The two rear belts on the KV6 are simply looped between inlet and exhaust camshafts.

Read everything you can find on the forum before starting.

Simon

beinet1 · 4th March 2013, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

Andrew,

You'll be fine with your experience and a Haynes manual. If any questions crop up, just ask here and you'll get a quick response. Remember that a timing belt is, in principle, exactly the same as the chain on your B series. The two rear belts on the KV6 are simply looped between inlet and exhaust camshafts.

Read everything you can find on the forum before starting.

Simon

B-series?? Anyone else here with a BMC-B in the garage??

chris75 · 4th March 2013, 13:56

There are 3 classic youtube clips here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC7i5R6lpEQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Wl0...page=1&t=t&f=b

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fFx8SPiTSc

.......dealing with engine , manifolds , and timing belts in turn . You need to remember that they were prepared for the kv6 as fitted to the earlier 800 series Rovers , and there are a few differences especially to the manifolds .
The last clip deals with the belts , but does use the special tools which are not essential , and the rear belt gears are the older 825 type . There is a how-to on here somewhere showing how to do it without the special tools , done by Gadgetboy , I think ?
Otherwise , enjoy !

Indiana_Jones · 4th March 2013, 17:58

Cheers for the info lads.

From what I gather it's like doing a timing chain (as Simon said), where you need to make sure the marks are lined up once you put tension back on the new belt.

I'll see what the mechanic bill comes back as, but at the moment it's looking very costly.

Everyone seems confident that it can be done without the tools, but even if a I bought a set of tools I'd still be saving a ton of cash!

Will let you guys know what I end up doing, otherwise the car is pretty sweet, even for an auto! (had to get auto as the mrs needs to drive it and manual versions don't seem to exist here in NZ).

kaiser · 4th March 2013, 18:12

The tools are just there to confuse you. They serve no useful purpose, except for holding some sprocket when you loosen a bolt. They are actually a red herring and can cause more harm than good.

This engine is timed by the marks on the rear sprockets, which must be in line with the engine in safe mode. That is all that counts. So when the engine is back together, the lines must line up at the back,when the tensioner is released.

That is all there is to it.

With the belts, replace all other items with bearings in them, including the water pump.

Invite a friend over for tea

and plan for two days, if all the spares are at hand.
It will actually take you four days, skinned knuckles and an increased vocabulary.

But it is indeed doable.

ocdskull · 7th March 2013, 02:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indiana_Jones

Sorry lads, just wondering if there's any definitive/'how to' thread on replacing the timing belts for a KV6 engine?

I've tried searching and have got some info, but not really a full on step by step with photos, but saying that I do have the Haynes manual on the way.

Pretty much I have a 2.0L 75 with just over 100,000km on the clock. I have no idea if the belts have been done, but at that many km's and most Kiwi's attitude to car maintenance, I'm going to assume no.

So my choices are:

-Don't do it and prey/run her into the ground.....not really a choice!

-Pay around $2000NZD for a workshop to do the job, I'm getting a quote made up at the moment.

-Do it myself, this I'm a bit scared about as this is my first car with overhead cams (I'm used to 1800 B-series engines), let alone with 3 timing belts!

Can it be done by a rookie? or is it a case of biting the bullet this time, handing over some cash and then hopefully with some more know how down the line do it myself (assuming I have the car still etc)

Cheers,

-Indy

The engine looks complicated but in fact its just another engine with frilly bits

If you have worked on an engine with timing marks

then you should be able to do it.
Depending how long you have to do the work to make things more accessible and the sake of a few extra bolts and screws. I found that removing the front bumper and drivers inner arch liner. Gives you a clear view of some of the more hidden bolts you need to undo.
Good luck

barry · 7th March 2013, 03:17

Indy

Was talking to a ZS owner at the Mosquito Display late last year. His car was fitted with a KV6. Asked him who he used for any possibly difficult maintenance on the car. He recommended a workshop in Henderson, Heritage Mechanical Services, 26 The Concourse, Henderson Phone 09 8382100.

I looked on the internet and he apparently works on a variety of mechanical devices. I have no personal knowledge of the company but it may be worth a phone call to ascertain past experience etc with the KV6.

I deal with Roverland once a year for routine maintenance. Do the oil changes myself and so far have had no mechanical problems with the car anyway.
They did manage to get an air lock in the coolant system several years ago. They took care of the ensuing rescue with no quibbles.
They have an awful lot of Range Rovers go through their workshop. Some of them must be V6s.
Barry

Indiana_Jones · 10th March 2013, 18:47

Cheers for the tip Barry,

I tried contacting Heritage Mechanical two weeks ago, but to no luck, only went to the answering machine.

Just got the Haynes manual on the weekend so will take a read during the week. Flicking through it, I reckon I have a chance of doing it.

At this stage I'm leaning towards doing it myself, as the experience would be wicked and I reckon I could do it for $1000 as opposed to $2000, that's $1000 spare to put into the Wolseley.

Watch this space

-Andrew

kaiser · 10th March 2013, 19:28

That's the man!

4th March 2013, 08:54	#1
Indiana_Jones Avid contributor Rover 600 SLDi Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Another KV6 timing belt thread (I know!) Sorry lads, just wondering if there's any definitive/'how to' thread on replacing the timing belts for a KV6 engine? I've tried searching and have got some info, but not really a full on step by step with photos, but saying that I do have the Haynes manual on the way. Pretty much I have a 2.0L 75 with just over 100,000km on the clock. I have no idea if the belts have been done, but at that many km's and most Kiwi's attitude to car maintenance, I'm going to assume no. So my choices are: -Don't do it and prey/run her into the ground.....not really a choice! -Pay around $2000NZD for a workshop to do the job, I'm getting a quote made up at the moment. -Do it myself, this I'm a bit scared about as this is my first car with overhead cams (I'm used to 1800 B-series engines), let alone with 3 timing belts! Can it be done by a rookie? or is it a case of biting the bullet this time, handing over some cash and then hopefully with some more know how down the line do it myself (assuming I have the car still etc) Cheers, -Indy

4th March 2013, 10:41	#2
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,394 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	Andrew, You'll be fine with your experience and a Haynes manual. If any questions crop up, just ask here and you'll get a quick response. Remember that a timing belt is, in principle, exactly the same as the chain on your B series. The two rear belts on the KV6 are simply looped between inlet and exhaust camshafts. Read everything you can find on the forum before starting. Simon __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce.

4th March 2013, 13:56	#4
chris75 same car since 2005 2001 Rover 75 2.0 v6 Connoisseur Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ellesmere Port , Cheshire Posts: 3,811 Thanks: 379 Thanked 549 Times in 466 Posts	There are 3 classic youtube clips here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC7i5R6lpEQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Wl0...page=1&t=t&f=b http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fFx8SPiTSc .......dealing with engine , manifolds , and timing belts in turn . You need to remember that they were prepared for the kv6 as fitted to the earlier 800 series Rovers , and there are a few differences especially to the manifolds . The last clip deals with the belts , but does use the special tools which are not essential , and the rear belt gears are the older 825 type . There is a how-to on here somewhere showing how to do it without the special tools , done by Gadgetboy , I think ? Otherwise , enjoy ! __________________ Who said it was simples ?

4th March 2013, 17:58	#5
Indiana_Jones Avid contributor Rover 600 SLDi Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Cheers for the info lads. From what I gather it's like doing a timing chain (as Simon said), where you need to make sure the marks are lined up once you put tension back on the new belt. I'll see what the mechanic bill comes back as, but at the moment it's looking very costly. Everyone seems confident that it can be done without the tools, but even if a I bought a set of tools I'd still be saving a ton of cash! Will let you guys know what I end up doing, otherwise the car is pretty sweet, even for an auto! (had to get auto as the mrs needs to drive it and manual versions don't seem to exist here in NZ).

4th March 2013, 18:12	#6
kaiser This is my second home 75 Tourer 2.5 Auto, 1.8T, 75V8ZT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg ZA Posts: 6,200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 859 Times in 613 Posts	The tools are just there to confuse you. They serve no useful purpose, except for holding some sprocket when you loosen a bolt. They are actually a red herring and can cause more harm than good. This engine is timed by the marks on the rear sprockets, which must be in line with the engine in safe mode. That is all that counts. So when the engine is back together, the lines must line up at the back,when the tensioner is released. That is all there is to it. With the belts, replace all other items with bearings in them, including the water pump. Invite a friend over for tea and plan for two days, if all the spares are at hand. It will actually take you four days, skinned knuckles and an increased vocabulary. But it is indeed doable.

7th March 2013, 03:17	#8
barry Regular poster mg zt 180 sport Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: auckland Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Indy Was talking to a ZS owner at the Mosquito Display late last year. His car was fitted with a KV6. Asked him who he used for any possibly difficult maintenance on the car. He recommended a workshop in Henderson, Heritage Mechanical Services, 26 The Concourse, Henderson Phone 09 8382100. I looked on the internet and he apparently works on a variety of mechanical devices. I have no personal knowledge of the company but it may be worth a phone call to ascertain past experience etc with the KV6. I deal with Roverland once a year for routine maintenance. Do the oil changes myself and so far have had no mechanical problems with the car anyway. They did manage to get an air lock in the coolant system several years ago. They took care of the ensuing rescue with no quibbles. They have an awful lot of Range Rovers go through their workshop. Some of them must be V6s. Barry

10th March 2013, 18:47	#9
Indiana_Jones Avid contributor Rover 600 SLDi Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Cheers for the tip Barry, I tried contacting Heritage Mechanical two weeks ago, but to no luck, only went to the answering machine. Just got the Haynes manual on the weekend so will take a read during the week. Flicking through it, I reckon I have a chance of doing it. At this stage I'm leaning towards doing it myself, as the experience would be wicked and I reckon I could do it for $1000 as opposed to $2000, that's $1000 spare to put into the Wolseley. Watch this space -Andrew

10th March 2013, 19:28	#10
kaiser This is my second home 75 Tourer 2.5 Auto, 1.8T, 75V8ZT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg ZA Posts: 6,200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 859 Times in 613 Posts	That's the man!