Timing Belt Kit

Dazzman · 2nd February 2007, 13:06

Could anyone please advise the recommended service interval for the replcement of a timing belt on a Maestro MG 2.0i (1990). Also, is it just the timing belt (£14), or the complete assembly that has to be replaced, i.e., purchase and fit a 'Timing Belt Kit' - which is considerably more expensive (Quoted £80)!

Secondly, since the engine hasn't been used for 18 months, would it be prudent to replace the water pump too, whilst doing a complete drain and coolant replacement - I have heard that these units commonly start to leak/squeel if left unused for a long period, especially after a coolant change.

If someone could please advise on a part number for a pump unit for the above that would help me source one.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Darren

Wetfish · 2nd February 2007, 17:12

As long as the tensioner spins freely I would have thought there would be no need to replace, it's a solid bit of kit and very reliable. As OE belts are cheaply available on ebay I tend to replace every 18 months or so, I'm sure somebody will be along to tell us the service life of the belts.
Again pumps are available regularly on ebay but I suppose if you are doing the work at this end of the engine it makes sense to do it all at once. Both are easy to do if you follow the manual instructions.

Dazzman · 5th February 2007, 18:06

At just £14, I'll go with the timing belt only and save the cash for other items!

Many thanks

B18 GPC · 6th February 2007, 18:58

Dazzman ..

Id reccomend you did change the tensioner / idlers with the cambelt.. The lifetime is generally the same as the belt ..

Id reccomend gates belts , as they do a kit...

Why ;

A Costomer with a Mazda 323 wasnt to happy today after we did a major service on his car .. which was 32k Over the Cambelt Interval - Tensioner gave way on the technicion on road test ... New head , at his expense...

Is it worth the risk ?

E_T_V · 6th February 2007, 21:09

Tensioners on the O series rarely fail. If all the bearings are smooth with no sign of roughness then chances are they'll be fine to re-use.

madandy · 8th February 2007, 13:58

would advise you to check for any play in water pump, just give pulley a wiggle. saves taking it all apart again!

Dazzman · 16th February 2007, 13:20

Many thanks for your replies..

I have replaced the timing belt as a 'for now', and since the coolant came out such a clear yellow colour, and reverse flushed clear as well, have decided that a new pump and whole timing belt kit will be the subject of next winters servicing/replacements, when I will fit a new radiator. As suggested, I did check for play at the pump bearing, and also the tensioners seam ok.

Have ordered a 'Gates' kit as suggested.

PJ is slowly coming on!

Again, my appreciation,

Darren