2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
Ricardo
Posts: 15
Joined: 04 Feb 2018, 20:53
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
My Cars: 2001 Citroën Xsara 1.9d (van)

2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

Post by 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.
User avatar
myglaren
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 25367
Joined: 02 Mar 2008, 13:30
Location: Washington
My Cars: Mazda 6
Ooops.
Previously:
2009 Honda Civic :(
C5, C5, Xantia, BX, GS, Visa.
R4, R11TXE, R14, R30TX
x 4889

Re: 2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

Post by 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.
User avatar
moizeau
(Donor 2022)
Posts: 1580
Joined: 12 Jan 2015, 16:08
Location: France 36
My Cars: 91 BX TZD Estate. Dead but loved
407 HDI 136 auto
C4 2l petrol coupé
2010 Dispatch III HDI 90
AND a 1980 Z1000ST
AND a 1983 GPz1100 inj
AND a 1995 Zephyr 1100
AND a 1980 Z650 (my moped)
x 315

Re: 2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

Post by 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.
Pete
Notice the BX is still top the list but sadly gone
wheeler
Posts: 6849
Joined: 21 Sep 2002, 19:07
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 718

Re: 2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

Post by 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.
User avatar
van ordinaire
(Donor 2017)
Posts: 2537
Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 14:45
Location: Live & work in London but weekend in Devon (or do I now live in Torbay & work in London?)
My Cars: Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club (quietly sleeping in a parallel universe)
'05 (yes, really) C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
'96 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the "donor"
'99 Jeep Cherokee Orvis - the green one
'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
& numerous what might be described as abandoned projects!
x 405

Re: 2001 Xsara 1.9D (DW8) Timing Belt

Post by 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)
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club :cry:
'05 C15 :!:
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate [-o<
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3 :?
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS :|
& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
Post Reply