Cambelt change...or not?

[Wacky Racer]

Quick question.

We have a 2011 Elddis 120 motorhome with a 2.2 diesel engine, which in all respects is still like new.

We have owned it from new, and it has done 12,000 trouble free miles.

One or two people have suggested it would be wise to change the cambelt, but it is not a cheap job, around £480 by all accounts.

I'm tempted not to, but is it a case of "Do you feel lucky punk?".



Most cars are OK until 70k +

[t400ble]

Change it

Its not just millage, is an interval based on age

[Spuffington]

Agree - most cambelt changes are specific mileage or 5yrs. Wouldn't risk it - rubber perishes with age and particularly lack of use.

[chasingracecars]

Yep I would that reminds me actually must do some work on mine.

[Tom Logan]

Better to change it rather than risk wrecking the engine should it let go, what price peace of mind?

[CinnamonFan]

When I bought my Hymer on 194000km I had to explain what a cambelt did to the previous owners. They'd owned it a decade and I saw no receipts for a change at all.

I nervously drove it 90 miles home and had it changed the next day! Mechanic said it didnt show signs of cracking so i suspect it was changed at some point.

I would change it OP.

[BOBTEE]

I work in roadside assistance... I'd get it changed!

[LeoZwalf]

Question is - do you want it to break while you're away on holiday? With your OH? And other family, friends? You'll never live it down. He took us away in that bloody motorhome, had refused to spend a few hundred quid and OUR HOLIDAY WAS RUINED!

So... wanna risk it? ;-)

[crankedup]

Definitely the cam belt should now be changed, consequences of belt failure are well known. Add to that the likelihood that you will be using the ‘holiday home’ and enjoying your break when the belt snaps.

[Cass63]

Without a doubt, even for your own piece of mind, every time you use your motorhome it will be in the back of your mind. £480 is cheaper than the alternative.
I got my campervan at the end of last summer and didn’t even bother looking to see if it had been changed, I just changed it.