2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

[Ricardo]

I am about to embark on a new adventure: to service the timing belt on my 2001 Xsara 1.9D (van). Has anyone done this? Any advice?

Even though I have all of the general tools necessary, there are some that I do not, namely a timing belt tool kit as well as the belt tension gauge. I have done my search (local retailers as well as online) and I found the kits from Facom, AST, and Kroft Tools. Obviously, not being a shop, spending hundreds on a tool which will be used a couple of times (maybe), might not be worthwhile. A local Facom retailer asked 380euros for their kit:https://www.fac18.eu/fi-en/categorie/au ... el-engines, a local Kroft Toolsretailer asked 175 euros for their version: http://www.kroftools.com/pt/loja/ferram ... etail.html, and a local representative for AST Tools (in the UK) asked 90euros for a what seems a basic enough kit https://www.asttools.co.uk/engine-timin ... eltast4822.
Zimber Tools have a kit available as well: https:/https://zimber-tools.eu/en/automotive-s ... tools.html
Munster Tool has this one: https://munstertoolco.ie/product/sykes- ... iming-kit/
Tooled-up.com seems to have some tools for the job, but I could not find any for my car.

There is one manufacturer, SONIC (Holland), which manufactures timing kits: https://www.sonic-equipment.com/pt/spec ... =36&store=. I have contacted them via e-mail in regards to my needs, but they have not responded yet; it´s been two days.

One concern I have about some of these kits is the pin, or lack of, to lock the fuel pump. Most likely I am overlooking something. It seems that it is a pin that has different cross-section shapes; round in one end, then it is square, then oval, and back to round. Does anyone have any clarification on this?

Another concern is that the apparently same kit is sold under different names and for very different prices. Kroft, for example.

How about the belt tensioning gauge? Does anyone have any recommendations?

I have received many "advices", like not replacing the water pump (it is functioning fine), avoiding locking the crank, fuel pump, and flywheel by cutting the belt in half lengthwise and remove one half and keep the other half in place, etc....

This half of a timing belt technique will not allow to you see if you have any of the pulleys need replacing.

If anyone has any advice for this service, they are welcome.

P.S. By local, I mean Portugal.

[myglaren]

Before going much further, contact your local Citroen dealer as they generally have a fixed price option for a timing belt change that can be quite cost effective.
It is normally just the timing belt so if you want the water pump done at the same time then get them to quote the additional cost, which again will probably not be too bad as they are already in there pulling things to pieces.
If you think that tensioners or idlers are suspect, you may have to rethink this as costs may well escalate to an unwanted degree.

[moizeau]

Have a look here for your model.
viewtopic.php?t=61218
You need various pins but alternatives (drill bits etc.) can be used, You don't need the belt tension measurement tool.
If you haven't already, chuck your VIN up and The Holy Ones will supply part numbers, from which you can search for alternatives. Gates is standard fitment normally. Do the water pump at the same time.

[wheeler]

This belt is relatively easy, I have done more than I could count & have never used a tension gauge, Its been a while since I done one but from memory a 13mm bolt fits perfectly in the camshaft pulley, the injection pump is just a small rod to either 6mm or 4mm diameter, the crank pulley pegs via the flywheel up behind the starter just the same as the XUD engines. The key thing about doing this belt is to slacken the 3 bolts on both the cam & injection pump pulleys (they are adjustable pulleys) once they are pegged, they must be slack when you tension the belt otherwise you can throw the timing out slightly.

[van ordinaire]

Must admit that this was the 1st job on the C15 that defeated me from the word go: couldn't even work out how to remove the cover. I was around to help/hinder my friend the local mobile mechanic (who has a Grand Cherokee AND likes French cars) & learned a bit. I do remember having to buy a 13mm bolt because the length's important, but no special tools were used.
The Continental belt kit, which includes everything, was not expensive &, if the vehicle's history is a mystery, I'd suggest that's the way to go (the next couple of times, only the belt will need doing)