Cam Belt Change Time?

Post by **PreludePete** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 7:55 am

I noticed on an earlier post that a member was considering replacing their cam belt "because it is over six years old"

I am aware of the recommended mileage for changing the belt but is it now good practice to change them on a timed basis?

Would appreciate some sound advice.

Peter

Post by **Vtecmec** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:18 am

X amount of miles or every 5 years, whichever comes sooner!

Post by **Drax** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 1:23 pm

I agree with vtecmec, imo it's every 80k, or every 5 years (if constantly used), or if you've just bought it and it doesn't show up in the previous history plus doesn't look newly changed.

Post by **PreludePete** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 3:36 pm

Thanks guys
According to service history it was changed in Nov 2010 at 14k miles! ('98 Reg.)

Now reading 35k miles, but only acquired recently so no idea how driven over that time.

Probably not be doing more than 6K a year going forward.

Best be safe??

Peter

Post by **norks27** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 3:44 pm

PreludePete wrote:Best be safe??

I'd play it safe and replace. Honda say 60k or 5 years.
Wonder why the belt was changed at 2yrs with only 14k on the clock! Strange one.

Post by **PreludePete** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 3:50 pm

1998 to 2010 is twelve years when I was at school, though that was a long time ago!

Sorry Norks!

YouTube · Post by **Sailor** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 3:57 pm

Materials degrade over time, which is why there's a time limit irrespective of usage.

Post by **norks27** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 4:10 pm

Ooops

firstlude · Post by **firstlude** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:32 pm

make sure you do the water pump and tensioner bearings or you will have an engine like in my recent purchase with a seized water pump and a belt with no teeth and the possibility of a fubered engine, hopefully all my bits will be here by the weekend

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:02 pm

Hi Peter,

I agree with the guys. That belt should be changed, and also should the water pump since it is an easy job when changing the belt and usually done at the same time.