camshaft timing belt change..

[princeperch]

...ordered one of these boys and all the associated gubbings from MX5 parts, didn't get the complete kit as I had the rockercover gasket changed a couple of months back. Belt was last done in 2002 so will be about time to get it done in a couple of months.

I'll get my pet mechanic do the change for me - can't see it taking him more than what, 3 hours, so thats 70 quid.

Do I shell out 30 notes on a new water pump though and get him to replace this too? Its a bit of a pig of a job to do and will be another 2 hours or so on top I should think.

Is it neccessery? Cars a 96 on an N with 55k.Don't really want to spend more than I have to due to my Scottish blood...

Edited by princeperch on Saturday 6th December 14:34

[MX-5 Lazza]

It's not a requirement but you should take into consideration that the front of the engine probably won't be exposed for another 5 years or more when the belt is changed again. Anyway, changing the water-pump is only a half hour job if it's done at the same time as the cam-belt.
You should also consider changing the cam & crank bearing oil-seals at the same time.

[princeperch]

MX-5 Lazza said:

It's not a requirement but you should take into consideration that the front of the engine probably won't be exposed for another 5 years or more when the belt is changed again. Anyway, changing the water-pump is only a half hour job if it's done at the same time as the cam-belt.
You should also consider changing the cam & crank bearing oil-seals at the same time.

if its only a half hour job its deffo going to be done

[anonymous-user]

Once the cambelt is out changing the water pump is an incredibly easy job, should take no more than 10 minutes to do the actual swap - unbolt the old one, pull it out, put new gasket onto the new one with a little silicone on both sides and then bolt back in place.

It will take longer if the old gasket is stuck to the surface or splits when being removed as you will need to clean the block-side surface completely to make sure it's nice and smooth.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Use a genuine Mazda water pump rather than a cheaper copy. They are made much better, fit better and look to me like they'll last longer.