Cam Belt

[Billy-No-Money]

just got another qoute for replacing the cam belt of £151.00. This guy seemed to know a bit about surfs and reckoned it would take him 3-4 hours, so thats £25 per hour plus the belt plus VAT. No room in there for a new tensioner. Sounds a reasonable quote balanced against my having to spend probably a full day on my drive in the freezing cold (lots of skint knuckles that dont get noticed till you apply swarfega and hot water) but is he likely to not bother with the tensioner, or even inspect it?

[NiftyNev]

...but is he likely to not bother with the tensioner, or even inspect it?

That's possible. Why not ask him to detail what is/not checked.

Part of the procedure for a belt change should be ...

Check and/or replace Water Pump.
Check and/or replace Crank and Cam seals.
Check and /or replace tensioner and Idler Gear.
Check and/or replace the Timing Belt Cover Seal.
Check and/or replace the Harmonic Balancer.

I would also look at all other belts, idlers, etc. to inspect their condition and also check the viscous fan condition as well.

Nev

[Billy-No-Money]

That's possible. Why not ask him to detail what is/not checked.

Part of the procedure for a belt change should be ...

Check and/or replace Water Pump.
Check and/or replace Crank and Cam seals.
Check and /or replace tensioner and Idler Gear.
Check and/or replace the Timing Belt Cover Seal.
Check and/or replace the Harmonic Balancer.

I would also look at all other belts, idlers, etc. to inspect their condition and also check the viscous fan condition as well.

Nev

Ok, Ive just got back from the garage that gave me that phone quote and had a chat to the mechanic. He seemed to be fairly familiar with the engine and told me that the timing belt kit includes the tensioner. He assured me that as a matter of course that he checks out the water pump and all other belts but at 105000 km (around 90000m) he wouldnt expect to find any serious signs of wear but would ring me so I could go and have a look for myself if he did find anything that he thought wanted further work. It all seemed quite fair and above board to me so,on that basis, Ive booked it in for next Tuesday. Incidentally, I pointed out the slight oil leak from the head gasket and he said it didnt look like anything to worry about.

[MattF]

Incidentally, I pointed out the slight oil leak from the head gasket and he said it didnt look like anything to worry about.

That should put your mind at ease a bit more, then. It actually seems a good price he's quoted you for the belt/tensioner fitting. Not bad at all.

[Billy-No-Money]

I know they arent generally bad on price. My Dads CV joint Broke 50 yards from their gate. 3 mechanics with 2 trolley jacks freed the wheel on the road then got my dad to steer while the pushed it into the workshop. He picked it up 4 hours later and the bill was only £35 !