C3 Timing Belt gurus's

[garpat32]

I know its not an exact science, however, does this look like the original or a replaced belt?

2017 38k VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[GiveMeABreak]

Nobody can tell you that from just looking at it.

On your vehicle it MUST be replaced at 6 years (now overdue if not been done) or 64k miles for the first change to have a newly designed belt fitted, then it is every 128k miles or 12 years.

[garpat32]

Fair enough mate, I've seen pics of other with cracks etc, and the history of this is "unknown" for now, so thought I'd ask.

Quotes around £500 so not too bad for peace of mind.

Cheers

[GiveMeABreak]

The original belts shredded, so hence the early requirement for a replacement.

It is essential that the correct grade AND specification of oil is used as this directly impacts the wear of the timing belt on these.

EM: 5W30 B71 2290
5W30 B71 2290 (ACEA C2)
EM: 0W30 B71 2312
0W30 B71 2312 (ACEA C1 / C2)
5W40 B71 2296 (ACEA A3 / B4)
EM: 5W40 B71 2296

[garpat32]

Nice one. Cheers

[wheeler]

You can’t tell the condition of a timing belt just by looking at it (wet or dry belts).
I have replaced broken timing belts that have a perfect break with absolutely no signs of wear/cracking. If you had inspected the belt the day before it broke you would have had no idea it was about to snap.
At the same time i have replaced belts that looked like the were hanging on for dear life, frayed & threadbare but clearly been like that for sometime.

[PaulC5]

My philosophy on timing belts is if you are not sure then to replace it. Especially if you are planning on keeping a car since it is likely to need a new belt whilst you have it, so get it done early and have the benefit for a long time. Prices are always going up so to have it done in later years will cost more than now unless your savings (if you have any) can make a lot more in interest. If a belt does fail it costs a lot to repair the engine and it would still need the new belt. Pattern parts might not have the same life/replacement interval as official Citroen parts so something to be aware of when a belt is replaced or has been replaced outside of the dealer network.

[garpat32]

Response from one of the local Citroen dealers

"I have checked the service interval for the timing kit and its every 12 years or 128000 miles. I would advise allowing the vehicle to meet one of these

Requirements before changing unless there is an issue which would require you to change beforehand"

[GiveMeABreak]

Response from one of the local Citroen dealers

"I have checked the service interval for the timing kit and its every 12 years or 128000 miles. I would advise allowing the vehicle to meet one of these

Requirements before changing unless there is an issue which would require you to change beforehand"

They are plain incorrect. That is only applicable when the first belt change has been done! So unless they are assuming it has been done already, or can provide you with evidence or confirmation that the first belt change has already been completed by Citroen, then that is incorrect.

If you require the evidence then here it is with your VIN clearly shown top right. I have highlighted the relevant part and as you can see, first change is shown and subsequent change at 128k miles after that.

This is from the the same live database they use :

[garpat32]

Yeh mate, but thanks for confirming. I'd already read on here ref the change at 6 years etc so I was a bit surprised with the response.

[GiveMeABreak]

He's only right if it's already been done once, so I'm assuming you told him all that and wanted to check if there is any service evidence of a dealer-replaced belt to date. If not, then it's either the original and needs doing on a time basis, and needs to have the correct revised replacement belt fitted to give you the peace of mind for the next 128k miles (although I'd probably get it replaced way before that personally speaking), or it's been done outside the dealer network.

[garpat32]

I asked them if the car had been to them for a service previously (as I'm unsure of the original supplying dealer and there's no history with it) and to also quote on a timing belt replacement as I'm aware it would/should be replaced by now.

Two other local places have just said yeh no worries it'll be x amount and we can get you in next week etc

[GiveMeABreak]

Consider what the quotes are for, as with timing belts, there's the belt only, the belt and roller distribution kit and finally the belt, distribution kit and water pump.

Obviously it's better on the labour front to get the whole lot done, otherwise you'll be needing the tensioner rollers doing before the life of the belt and possibly the pump. So if funds allow and you're keeping it for some time, consider getting the all 3 done. Citroen should be able to quote you for whichever option, then you can use this as a guide if considering going elsewhere - but with timing belts, I'd stick with a dealer personally.

[RichardW]

I think that's telling you to replace the belt every 64k, but the tensioners only every 2nd belt (the 'kit').

[GiveMeABreak]

Yes, just thought it worth mentioning.