New to the Surf

[blakarm]

Hi sarah. The glowplug light SHOULD go out pretty much staight away, but I wouldnt worry about it. Being a diesel, It has no sparkplug to ignite the fuel when cold, so it has glowplugs to create heat to get it started.
If there was a problem (glowplugs not working) it simply wouldnt start. Or glow plugs on their way out, you'd find it harder to start the colder the weather. If your getting it started ok in this weather, youve nowt to worry 'bout.

[blakarm]

Oh, and timing belt. Cheap as chips and half hour to replace.
Not worth NOT doing it.

[Surfinalltheway]

Oh, and timing belt. Cheap as chips and half hour to replace.
Not worth NOT doing it.

Spoke to my local friendly garage man about doing the timing belt, he said "OOO... at least 3hrs!!! But well worth doing" Totally agree about well worth doing, but how can I tell him, actually, no mate... will only take half hr, 1 hr tops!!!

Don't mean to be erm... funny, but men don't like being told they're wrong, by a woman, especially when it comes to cars!!!
Having said that, I guess I should give him the benefit of the doubt, as he may not have done a timing belt on a surf before....

[blakarm]

Show your friendly garage man this.

My 14 year old son could do it.
Take black plastic cover off front of motor.
Take off tensioner (two bolts).
take big round black thing (Belt) off two round silver things top and bottom.
Put new round black thing on the two round silver things.
Put tensioner back on.
Put black plastic thing back on.
Done.

HALF HOUR.

Im sure one of the lads down your way would be happy to do it for you. I'd do it myself, but its a tad far...

[Surfinalltheway]

Cheers for that... yes is a bit of a drive...

I read somewhere on here, that it's best to replace the pulleys whilst your at it... Is that right?

[blakarm]

You could replace the tensioner too. But like anything else, your in a -just what condition is everything in, how far do I want to go, and how much money do I want to spend- situation.
Some people have just changed the belt. Some people change the belt and tensioner. Some people say sod the belt put a lexus motor in.
Its your choice.

[Shalershasker]

Hi and welcome

As said I don't think your glow plug light is anything to worry about, the lights do go out quite quick but the plugs will still be heating for a while after the light goes out. With reguards to the timing belt, personally I would change it straight away if you have no idea on the history also change the tensioner and idler, and while in that area take a good look at the water pump for leaks. You say you have the oil and fuel filters + oil changed did this include the ATF as well (if you an auto box)? also consider a full coolant flush.

[John h]

Ello

[Calos]

Just had oil change and air, fuel and oil filters changed...

Every 100km is recommended for your timing belt

that not many miles???

Ok blaming the half bottle of vino-colapso for that one, hehe every 100,000km



peace
cal

[Surfinalltheway]

Hi and welcome

With reguards to the timing belt, personally I would change it straight away if you have no idea on the history also change the tensioner and idler, and while in that area take a good look at the water pump for leaks. You say you have the oil and fuel filters + oil changed did this include the ATF as well (if you an auto box)? also consider a full coolant flush.

Will be looking a prices on Roughtrax for timing belt, tensioner and idler, as soon as I've finished typing this...

Not changed the ATF or had a coolant flush yet, I think I'd better add them to the list...

Think I might have to replace 1 or both of the batteries first, twice now, I've had flat batteries when jumping in it to start it, but I shall get them tested first...

Perhaps I should have left the bonnet shut... either that, or my car has taken a liking to my local garage!!!

[Surfinalltheway]

Ok blaming the half bottle of vino-colapso for that one, hehe every 100,000km



peace
cal

I thought that's what you meant Calos, as I did read somewhere about getting them changed every 100,000km...

Give me time, no doubt I'll write silly things after a glass or 3 of wine...

[Albannach]

Hello...

For nothing more than peace of mind, it's always worth changing the timing belt, tensioner and idler, along with doing a full service and cooling system flush when you buy any vehicle, not just a Surf.

The write up that blakarm posted misses out the bit about setting up the timing, that's quite important. And, with respect, it's more than a 30 minute job. 45 if you've done it before, maybe more than twice that if you're not good with spanners.

Also, for anyone who finds this thread in a search, there is no point in replacing the cam belt tensioner without changing the idler pulley too.

[blakarm]

The write up that blakarm posted misses out the bit about setting up the timing, that's quite important. And, with respect, it's more than a 30 minute job. 45 if you've done it before, maybe more than twice that if you're not good with spanners.

If you look at the way I posted that, it was aimed directly at a mechanic, who must surely know about setting up timing, and it was done in a simplified, sarcastic manner.

Perhaps I should have wrote at the bottom; FOR ALL THE ABSOLUTE NUMPTYS OUT THERE, DO NOT TAKE THIS AS A LITERAL FITTING GUIDE.

I did change my belt in 30 mins. But i'll concede the fact that it may have helped that it was a warm, dry, sunny day, and that I had someone standing next to me taking and handing back all bolts/spanners etc.
Different circumstances would change the time in fitting I have no doubt, but surely a trained mechanic could do the same if he put his mind to it?

[Albannach]

If you look at the way I posted that, it was aimed directly at a mechanic, who must surely know about setting up timing, and it was done in a simplified, sarcastic manner.

Yep, you and I, as mechanics know that. But this isn't a professional's forum, so when writing step-by-step guides, it is prudent to put all the steps in so that the numpties don't do it wrong.

Perhaps I should have wrote at the bottom; FOR ALL THE ABSOLUTE NUMPTYS OUT THERE, DO NOT TAKE THIS AS A LITERAL FITTING GUIDE.

Yep, because there will be a numpty who thinks it is a fitting guide.

I did change my belt in 30 mins. But i'll concede the fact that it may have helped that it was a warm, dry, sunny day, and that I had someone standing next to me taking and handing back all bolts/spanners etc.
Different circumstances would change the time in fitting I have no doubt, but surely a trained mechanic could do the same if he put his mind to it?

30 minutes is not a realistic timescale for a non professional, that's the point I was making. A trained mechanic should take his time and not rush the job, checking and double-checking settings etc., it all takes time. I'd be happy to do it in a leisurely hour. But then I never rush anything!

[Dixie.t]

hello and welcome,

call TonyN and get all the bits you want done sort out a day that good and wonder over.