2.1TD Cambelt: Put My Mind At Rest Please

[CitroJim]

My 2.1TD last had its cambelt changed just under two years ago at 71000 miles. It has now done 88000 miles.

So, my maths make that 17000 miles.

Is there any imperative to change it, given that it is two years old or is it OK on mileage?

I was shocked. The garage charged nearly £600 for the last belt change and a full service Surely they're not that difficult

[rory_perrett]

Should be no need to change.

I did mine at 70k and 3 years old, 140k and6 years old and 190k 8 1/2 years old and the last one was only done early because I had the engine out so thought I would do it while the rengine was on the bench. Must say £600 seems rather steep. Its no more difficult on the 2.1 Xantia than it was on either 1.7td BX or 1.9td Xantia. I reckon about 5 hours and that's without all the gear, lying on the garage floor etc.

Rory

[JohnD]

The garage charged nearly £600 for the last belt change

That's monstrous! It's four or five years ago since I did my late 2.1 Xantia but the purchase of the belt didn't cost any more than £15. Fitting the belt was no different to doing a previous Xantia and BX Only removing the top engine mount was a bit more involved.

[Martin Beevers]

Jim, that does seam expensive.
I had mine done for £100, I supplied the belt. However I didn't have a full service... That's probably what pushed the price up.
I did my own timing belt last time it was due at 40k.

[lolingram]

Changing just the belt without water pump and idler/adjusters can be definitely bad news unless you know for absolutey certainty that these items are as new... my local Frog garagiste (a good bloke) will not undertake a belt only change, and he is right.

That's monstrous! It's four or five years ago since I did my late 2.1 Xantia but the purchase of the belt didn't cost any more than £15.

[Peter.N.]

I have done five or six of these over the years on XMs, I have never had to replace the idler or tensioner but on this car I did have to replace the water pump, 5k after I changed the belt! and then 5k later the head gasket went. As the car had just had a new belt when I bought it, that's three belts in 10k miles! Draw from that what you will!

[Martin Beevers]

I'm with you peter, par for the coarse to change the water pump whenever you change the cam belt. I too had no signs of wear to the tensioner/idler.

[CitroJim]

Thanks all I have a spare belt and water pump so for peace of mind I'll do the job sooner rather than later.

The only slight problem is the water pump supplied by GSF came without a gasket They don't seem to be available as a separate part.

I guess I could make one from some gasket card but would prefrer the proper article and don't much fancy using any sort of "instant gasket" stuff in such a critical role.

Any thoughts on where I might get a gasket?

[Peter.N.]

Ordinary bathroom silicon sealer makes a good gasket, if you put it on the night before and let it set, you won't disturb it when you fit the pump.

[CitroJim]

Ordinary bathroom silicon sealer makes a good gasket, if you put it on the night before and let it set, you won't disturb it when you fit the pump.

That's an excellent idea Peter, many thanks