Do camshaft belts have a shelf life.

[Jcorstorphine]

I am looking for a replacement camshaft belt for my Ford 1.6 diesel engine in my boat and have been offered a new belt but of unknown age. Is this a risk or do I try and find a new one from Ford (1986 engine)

John

 

[VicS]

Double posting See Reader to reader!

Had difficulty finding them listed on t'internet. Take the one you've been offered. When I found them though they were only £5 +vat!

Inspect the tensioner at the same time.

 

[aquapower]

Dont take any chances as it will do a lot of damage if it goes wrong, buy one from new stock and as said before check tensioners as they are one of the biggest causes of belt failure

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Timing belt woes

Sorry about the double post but was just casting the net as wide as possible and dont know how to do a Reader to Reader.

Anyway, many thanks for the help, problem is I am not finding it easy to buy a new one but have been give a few more tel numbers to try. Bad news is that the belt on my engine broke so getting a new one will be the least of my troubles as I suspected at least one valve and one piston will be trashed. Was only doing about 1200 rpm at the time with the engine in forward while tied to the pontoon. Planning to take the head off tomorrow ( and guess what, its going to be sunny !!!!!!!!!!)

Regards

John

 

[aquapower]

try Lancing marine, they do lots of ford parts, even at tickover things are still moving quite fast so at the best you will need a couple of valves, may be worth trying to get a second hand head as may be cheaper

 

[Bilgediver]

I am looking for a replacement camshaft belt for my Ford 1.6 diesel engine in my boat and have been offered a new belt but of unknown age. Is this a risk or do I try and find a new one from Ford (1986 engine)

John

Belts is belts.....Get the old one which shouldn't be more than a pound or two and then take it to a bearing supplier or someone like Fenner and match it with a new one. The belt should have a code on it which confirms the width,tooth form and number of pitches.

Belts and O rings do deteriorate with age if exposed to natural light or fluorescent light so you might not get the life you expect from the older item unless stored in the dark and at a cool temperature.

 

[rafiki_]

A significant problem with belts is moisture, which breaks down the glue in the laminations, causing the belt to fail. So unless an old belt has been stored in very dry conditions, then walk away.