[Mark Lewis]

Hi thanks for the info, the motor is Z18XER

 

[Mark Lewis]

Hi 👍
Yeah I watched a few videos that's why I thought I would give it a go. Also the cam lock is a good idea. I thought if I am changing the timing belt I might as well change the water pump and the other belt also.
But one of the main points is the kilometres not sure if I am changing it far to early. I hear that continental is a good long lasting belt, so maybe I could get another 20,000 or 30,000 kilometres out of it. Is like 80,000km the norm for the change ?

 

[Mark Lewis]

I believe officially here in the UK the cam belt change on my Astra is scheduled at 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever is first). Though there have been issues noted with the pulleys in the past.

I don't think I'd let my car go that long on one belt given it's actually a straight forwards job to change it.

100,000 miles

I believe officially here in the UK the cam belt change on my Astra is scheduled at 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever is first). Though there have been issues noted with the pulleys in the past.

I don't think I'd let my car go that long on one belt given it's actually a straight forwards job to change it.

100,000 miles is 160,000 kilometres, as I have done only 80,000km maybe I am I little to early. Maybe my worry is a little premature?

 

[Mark Lewis]

Yes, you could use it up to 100000 but totally depends on the performance. If you think your engine is misfiring or loosing power, consider changing the timing belt. Timing chain tool is important as when you put new belt, you need to check if the timing is correct. The cam and flywheel should be in correct position. Mark your positions on flywheel and cam with the first piston on TDC. Then you're good to go. Make sure you out tensioner exactly right and also change all the gaskets and seals along with it as there might be oil or water leakage later.

Actually not having any motor issues at all, running well. But it's been 4 years and 80,000km. I just thought it was time out 😀 as for the gaskets and seals, I have watched quite a few videos and no mention about gasket and seal changes?

 

[Mark Lewis]

No gaskets unless you want to change the water pump.

Use both parts of the locking tool then you'll keep the crank and cams correctly timed.

Yeah thanks for the info,.thought while it's all stripped down I would change the pump also 👌👌

 

[Mark Lewis]

Hi guys
So I got all the parts and all the tools for the timing belt change, even a pneumatic driver for the camshaft bolt. Just my last concern before I start. How strong is this bolt ? The last thing I want is for it to snap, I guess that would be tricky and the end of the world situation 😨😨

 

[Mark Lewis]

Thanks Dgoth
Yeah sorry I meant the crankshaft 😀😀 Great thanks for all the useful information. 👍👍👍

 

[Mark Lewis]

Thanks Dgoth
Yeah sorry I meant the crankshaft 😀😀 Great thanks for all the useful information. 👍👍👍

HI Dgoth
Well started and all was going well until the cam wheels.( both ) slipped out of position, before the new belt was fitted. I got a fixing kit, but turned out it was not for my car model.
Anyway to cut a long story short. It looks like I have done it. The only thing is I'm not 100% sure. I did 2 hand turns from the crankshaft with out any issues. Tomorrow I will re fit the other parts and give it a go ( Start the engine )

What can I expect ?

 

[Mark Lewis]

If you have done 2 revolutions of crank (1 complete engine cycle) and timing marks line up still and tensioner setting is good you can expect it to start up fine.

Just a quick update : The car is all together and running. I went for a 5 mile test all appears to be fine. Mind I was sh##@£ing myself when I turned the key 😀😀😀😀

Thanks to everyone for your support 🙏 🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌

 

[Mark Lewis]

Well everyone
It was the first time I have taken on such a task. Actually it was not difficult and the overall reason for doing it myself was the labour cost for a garage or mechanic to do the work. This club helped a lot and also YouTube.

When I did the work I purchased a cam and camshaft position set. Which would have helped , but the kit which was supplied was not for my model. So I did the change without a position kit. THIS I WOULD NOT DO AGAIN OR RECOMMEND as it took me a lot longer to position the cams. Also there was the risk of being out of position. Unfortunately my car was stripped down when I realised the kit was no good. The only other small issue was the water pump gasket, this kept slipping out of place, so in the bottom corner I used a small piece of electrician tape to hold in place. I pulled this free when in position, but before fully tightening the bolts.

Would I do it again, definitely, garage's are charging extortionate prices these days and also not changing all the necessary parts during the belt changes, I can at least say I changed not only the belt but also the pulleys , water pump and auxiliary belt.

Good luck everyone 👌👍