Mechanics /Home Mechanics and general bodges
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227bhp said:
If only it was that easy 
When the chain or belt is old they stretch, when you put a new one on your marks don't line up. What do you do then?
When you've walked some miles in some else's shoes you are then qualified to comment, until such time it's best to let them get on with what they do best.
I own 2 garages in 2 different countries. I've been a technician for 18 years. Perhaps it's time I got some new shoes hahaWhen the chain or belt is old they stretch, when you put a new one on your marks don't line up. What do you do then?
When you've walked some miles in some else's shoes you are then qualified to comment, until such time it's best to let them get on with what they do best.
I have missed a few teeth out once and noticed it on start up there was no big explosion just bad timing as you would have to miss quite a few out for things to make contact
Once I had a dodgy tensionser that wobbled and the belt went over into the block but because I always start up with the covers off I could see it and stop it before we had damaged
In 30 years of messing around with old cars I have never come across this before and probably never will
Once I had a dodgy tensionser that wobbled and the belt went over into the block but because I always start up with the covers off I could see it and stop it before we had damaged
In 30 years of messing around with old cars I have never come across this before and probably never will
jeremyh1 said:
I have missed a few teeth out once and noticed it on start up there was no big explosion just bad timing as you would have to miss quite a few out for things to make contact
Once I had a dodgy tensionser that wobbled and the belt went over into the block but because I always start up with the covers off I could see it and stop it before we had damaged
In 30 years of messing around with old cars I have never come across this before and probably never will
Cambelts are not that difficult Once I had a dodgy tensionser that wobbled and the belt went over into the block but because I always start up with the covers off I could see it and stop it before we had damaged
In 30 years of messing around with old cars I have never come across this before and probably never will
Emanresu said:
Cam belts are easy. Just mark the position of the pulleys before you take the old belt off. Put the new belt on, tension it then turn the engine twice by hand. If the marks line up, it's fine. If they don't, try again. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need special locking tools. Yes, it helps, but the job is perfectly doable without.
What I meant was, that with my current level of confidence, unless I knew EXACTLY what I was doing, and was CONFIDENT about it, because it's a critical part of the engine, I currently wouldn't dare do it!If you get that wrong, because it's an interference engine, you're screwed, and it will be a VERY expensive mistake! It isn't called a timing belt for nothing!
DIYMechGuy said:
What I meant was, that with my current level of confidence, unless I knew EXACTLY what I was doing, and was CONFIDENT about it, because it's a critical part of the engine, I currently wouldn't dare do it!
If you get that wrong, because it's an interference engine, you're screwed, and it will be a VERY expensive mistake! It isn't called a timing belt for nothing!
Agreed. I wouldn't attempt a cambelt on my car because I'd simply rather not get it wrong. The tools for mine come it at around £200, belt kit £175 or so but to pay someone else was only £500 so no brainer really for the lack of any stress. If you get that wrong, because it's an interference engine, you're screwed, and it will be a VERY expensive mistake! It isn't called a timing belt for nothing!
I'm quite happy (maybe happy isn't the right word?) to pull the suspension apart, change engine components or swap aux belts. On an old banger like my Mazda I doubt it'll ever go to a garage again except for MOTs and tyres under my ownership. Unless it needs welding
Evoluzione said:
I always thought 'Technician' was American for 'Tyre fitter'.
It may well be, since "Engineer" is American for engine driver. As an Engineer myself (UK CEI definition) and reverting to the original subject, there have been times in the middle of a complex job on one of the cars when I realise it is a job for the mechanic/technician and not for the engineer!
One such case was lowering the fixed-head cylinder block of my Phoenix on to the four pistons which were on their con-rods on the crankshaft in the crankcase - there was no suitable lifting point over and in line with the CG to attach the hoist to.
PS for colin_p: that photo was taken in 2007 - I'm barely half the age you suggest!
227bhp said:
Perhaps it's time you got educated because using back street methods like that we need to know where your places are.
So we can avoid them.
Perhaps it's time you can stop being a condescending asshole and let people get on with their own thing. I've never had issues with any belts fitted and I'm not expecting any either. So we can avoid them.
Emanresu said:
227bhp said:
Perhaps it's time you got educated because using back street methods like that we need to know where your places are.
So we can avoid them.
Perhaps it's time you can stop being a condescending asshole and let people get on with their own thing. I've never had issues with any belts fitted and I'm not expecting any either. So we can avoid them.
You've ironically butted in on a topic about mechanics bodges with your own incorrect methods and then claim to be a professional of 18yrs who has never seen a problem? Those that never did anything, never did anything wrong.
I am not however going to follow you down the path of name calling, I'll leave that to you.
Edited by 227bhp on Wednesday 26th July 13:01
StoatInACoat said:
Agreed. I wouldn't attempt a cambelt on my car because I'd simply rather not get it wrong. The tools for mine come it at around £200, belt kit £175 or so but to pay someone else was only £500 so no brainer really for the lack of any stress.
I'm quite happy (maybe happy isn't the right word?) to pull the suspension apart, change engine components or swap aux belts. On an old banger like my Mazda I doubt it'll ever go to a garage again except for MOTs and tyres under my ownership. Unless it needs welding
£500??!!! That seems a bit steep? Main agents? I mean, I know it's probably the biggest job you can do on a car, but that seems rather heavy?I'm quite happy (maybe happy isn't the right word?) to pull the suspension apart, change engine components or swap aux belts. On an old banger like my Mazda I doubt it'll ever go to a garage again except for MOTs and tyres under my ownership. Unless it needs welding
Some jobs, I don't really like to do, such as suspension, because they can be a major pain in the ****, but I'll still do them. I quite like the idea of if I have to go to a garage to have something done, popping out sentences like "well, I've done the job myself before......".
Gives the garage a signal to not try anything on LOL
Cambelt, water pump and aux kit - £500 including labour. Double that from Renault!
Floating cam pulley so Renault tools which are expensive and access is a pain. I changed the power steering pump and alternator on a Clio 172 which is a similar layout in the middle of winter and can see where the labour charges go without even touching the cambelt!
Don't mind doing suspension really but I have learned that the better your tools are the easier the job is. Bought a massive splitter thing for my Mazda to change the bottom arm expecting it to put up an almighty fight and I was almost disappointed when it just popped out with a light tap
Floating cam pulley so Renault tools which are expensive and access is a pain. I changed the power steering pump and alternator on a Clio 172 which is a similar layout in the middle of winter and can see where the labour charges go without even touching the cambelt!
Don't mind doing suspension really but I have learned that the better your tools are the easier the job is. Bought a massive splitter thing for my Mazda to change the bottom arm expecting it to put up an almighty fight and I was almost disappointed when it just popped out with a light tap
Edited by StoatInACoat on Wednesday 26th July 16:07
Emanresu said:
I own 2 garages in 2 different countries. I've been a technician for 18 years. Perhaps it's time I got some new shoes haha
Emanresu said:
Professional automotive technician with 20 years experience btw. 4 in Citroen main dealer, 4 in Mercedes and 12 running my own shop.
Your maths is worse than mine fella!
I've done cambelts before on easy engines,Pinto and CVH.
For reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
For reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
lucido grigio said:
I've done cambelts before on easy engines,Pinto and CVH.
For reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
LucidoFor reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
These are very good general purpose timing change tools for most makes at a very reasonable price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Master-Petrol-Diesel...
Emanresu said:
227bhp said:
Perhaps it's time you got educated because using back street methods like that we need to know where your places are.
So we can avoid them.
Perhaps it's time you can stop being a condescending asshole and let people get on with their own thing. I've never had issues with any belts fitted and I'm not expecting any either. So we can avoid them.
lucido grigio said:
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
Of all the scary things I've read, those are probably THE MOST scary! These people drive too!!I know we all have to start somewhere, but at least LEARN the basics first?!
jeremyh1 said:
lucido grigio said:
I've done cambelts before on easy engines,Pinto and CVH.
For reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
LucidoFor reasons of cost I shall tackle a twincam for the first time soon,Duratec.
I shall not have special tools but will be very careful to line up everything properly.
On general topic,those asking about brake jobs on here who don't know one end of a spanner to the other really should consider paying a competent person to do the job.
These are very good general purpose timing change tools for most makes at a very reasonable price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Master-Petrol-Diesel...
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