The split cam belt method... Ooh err missus!

[Vanterrier]

The split cam belt method... Ooh err missus!

has anyone tried this method of replacing a cam belt and is it as simple as it sounds or are there hidden difficulties?

for those not familiar...

to to replace a cambelt or timing belt on a motor that is otherwise running well, Gain access to the belt by normal means. Then split the belt in half along its length taking care not to cut right across the belt. Then sever the outer half of the belt and remove. Fit the new belt to the pulleys and when it is securely located, cut the remaining half of the old belt and push the new belt fully into place. The theory being you don't disturb the existing belt timing.

I wonder if a new belt will match the teeth positions of an old worn belt?

anyway, it sounds a good idea. Anyone tried it?

k :Thinking_Face_Emoji

 

[teejay]

I haven't done one but, I do know that such belts are put under proper considerable tension after being fitted. There is a minimal amount of stretch in them so I would imagine you would struggle to fit the new belt properly without damaging it in some way trying to get it in its right position on the wheels. Personally its not something I would attempt. Not only might you get it out of kilter-you also then have the problem and expense/hassle of having it recovered to a garage and having to pay for a new one(and possibly any damage you may have done). Far better to smile and cough up and have the job done right first time-scrimping will cost you more in the end.

 

[Molly 3]

It is possible ,no hand's on experience just earsay . once fitted turn the engine few time's by hand using a spanner on Crankshaft nut, feeling for valves hitting pistons .do not hit the starter first ,if there is a problem using starter it will bend the valve's or worse .

 

[eddyt]

hi
i used to do something similar. when changing the belts on ford mondeo 1.8 diesel. they had 2 timing belts i would take
the outer belt off then slip the inner one over fit the outer one then cut the inner off and refit inner one..keeps pump timing
correct.

 

[RichardHelen262]

I have seen it done it made it look an easy way of changing a belt, as said above make sure you turn the engine over by hand a few times to make sure it hasn’t slipped any, you could also make sure the timing marks line up.
this method would be of no use if the water pump is to be changed

 

[SimonM]

Do it the proper way and change the water pump regardless. It may seem ok but it has also done many miles under the same tension, here was mine I changed it and it looked ok. Then came the look inside to see antifreeze just starting to weep, it wouldn't be long before a new one was needed. Done at approx 24k miles.

 

[mr brown]

saw it done on CAR sos , quite impressed

 

[Vanterrier]

The trusty old van had a new belt fitted recently by my local trusted garage, but my crusty old Grand Vitara will need it done soon and generally I do what is required on it...

" scrimping" ??? Good grief, it's been a necessary way of life for me mate :biggrin: family motto is

no expense spent, no corner left uncut ! :Smiling_Face_with_T

i agree the new belt could be tricky to get on if the old one is very stretched, but they don't stretch THAT much do they? Or the timing would be well out.

anyway, interesting to hear of others experiences eh?

k

 

[teejay]

Hi. You would find it impossible to stretch a timing belt at all-they are very stiff and strong, that's what I meant when I said minimal stretch. If you're mechanically minded and able and have all the tools you could attempt the job. There are any number of forums you can trawl for instructions help cautions on it. Good luck if you do.

 

[Vanterrier]

Hi. You would find it impossible to stretch a timing belt at all-they are very stiff and strong, that's what I meant when I said minimal stretch. If you're mechanically minded and able and have all the tools you could attempt the job. There are any number of forums you can trawl for instructions help cautions on it. Good luck if you do.

Thanks, yes have done belts before on various motors and varying degree of nightmare matching timing marks etc. Thought I had found a solution with the chain driven Misubishi Pajero 2.8 only to have the chain snap ( not an economicall viable fix on an old motor)
i agree stretching would be impossible but if the old one is that slack it will have movement. I'll have the new belt anyway so might offer it up to see if it would work, if not, then nowt lost as long as the new belt is not damaged ...

K

 

[jeffmossy]

Also saw this done on car sos , they made it look quite easy

 

[trevskoda]

You may find doing that way the belt tensioner will snap in tight missing the belt,i do it correct and fit all the new bits,found it v/easy on iveco 2.8 in line engine.

 

[Campervanannie]

I tend to use the pay a grease momkey method, works for me.?

 

[harrow]

has anyone tried this method of replacing a cam belt and is it as simple as it sounds or are there hidden difficulties?

for those not familiar...

to to replace a cambelt or timing belt on a motor that is otherwise running well, Gain access to the belt by normal means. Then split the belt in half along its length taking care not to cut right across the belt. Then sever the outer half of the belt and remove. Fit the new belt to the pulleys and when it is securely located, cut the remaining half of the old belt and push the new belt fully into place. The theory being you don't disturb the existing belt timing.

I wonder if a new belt will match the teeth positions of an old worn belt?

anyway, it sounds a good idea. Anyone tried it?

k :Thinking_Face_Emoji

Have seen it done on an old volvo, which is an easy belt change.

:Wink_Emoji:

 

[Puddlejumper]

It really depends on the vehicle, older ones are certainly doable using that method. More modern vehicles would be more difficult if not impossible......

 

[Vanterrier]

But has anyone seen it done on a 2004 Ducato 2.8 JTD ? :Flushed_Face_Emoji:

Or or perhaps a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara DDiS ?

k :Wink_Emoji:

 

[snapster]

I thought about doing it a couple of months ago on our 2.5 Ducato, in the end I paid £300 for a cam belt specialist to change the belt, tensioner and pully’s and fit a new serpentine belt.
He also gave us a courtesy car ( his own Jaguar XK ) to use while he did it
i thought it was a bargain, especially as his work us guaranteed for 2 years and I kept my hands clean!