Ford Ecoboost Cambelt Change - Garage Recommendations
Discussion
I am looking for a non main dealer independent garage with history of completing the belt change. Together with the belt there is a second belt and the water pump change out at the same time. The work is rounded of with oil and filter change. Looking for garages near either Newbury/Berkshire or Whitehaven/Workington area West Cumbria. I know this is seen a a PITA job but there must be some real experts with a number of swaps under their belts
Hopefully some one has had this completed to their satisfaction as there are many now at the 10 year/125k - 150k mileage.
Hopefully some one has had this completed to their satisfaction as there are many now at the 10 year/125k - 150k mileage.
These guys are ford specialists in Carlisle: https://alsmotorgroup.co.uk and this crowd in Keswick: http://www.highhillautomotive.uk/
Doesn't really look like much of a pain to do - you need the locking tools but otherwise it's a pretty normal cambelt. If you're paying someone to do the belt and braces, it'd be worth changing the oil pump at the same time.
Doesn't really look like much of a pain to do - you need the locking tools but otherwise it's a pretty normal cambelt. If you're paying someone to do the belt and braces, it'd be worth changing the oil pump at the same time.
Krikkit said:
These guys are ford specialists in Carlisle: https://alsmotorgroup.co.uk and this crowd in Keswick: http://www.highhillautomotive.uk/
Doesn't really look like much of a pain to do - you need the locking tools but otherwise it's a pretty normal cambelt. If you're paying someone to do the belt and braces, it'd be worth changing the oil pump at the same time.
Thanks I will give them both a call, good shout with the oil pump.Doesn't really look like much of a pain to do - you need the locking tools but otherwise it's a pretty normal cambelt. If you're paying someone to do the belt and braces, it'd be worth changing the oil pump at the same time.
I contacted one of these two garages and they do not have the locking tools but were interested in acquiring said tools and gave me an estimate. Price quoted was far too high so I contacted the mechanic who I had used until my recent move of house as to whether he had completed said belt change.
Not only have they already all the tools but had completed 4/5 changes to date so now familiar with the job. With that reassurance I asked for an estimate which I was more than happy with. The main issue is logistics in delivery and collection but that will be resolved, I would have contacted them first had it not been for the logistics (not knowing their history with the job)
Not only have they already all the tools but had completed 4/5 changes to date so now familiar with the job. With that reassurance I asked for an estimate which I was more than happy with. The main issue is logistics in delivery and collection but that will be resolved, I would have contacted them first had it not been for the logistics (not knowing their history with the job)
stevemiller said:
Not only have they already all the tools but had completed 4/5 changes to date so now familiar with the job. With that reassurance I asked for an estimate which I was more than happy with. The main issue is logistics in delivery and collection but that will be resolved, I would have contacted them first had it not been for the logistics (not knowing their history with the job)
I was just about to start a new thread on the topic of Ecoboost timing belt changes but as yours isn't all that old thought I'd resurrect it. Do you mind me asking how much you paid (or were quoted if not yet done) for the job?My wife's Fiesta has only done 70k but as a 2013 it is coming up to its 10th anniversary so time for the 'lifetime' belt to be replaced. I've seen the issue of belt debris fouling/blocking the oil strainer however given the need for specialist locking/setting tools beyond that which might ordinarily be required and even torque multipliers to do up the stupidly-tight crankshaft pulley (come on Ford - why not make it keyed?!) there is still a part of me that is thinking maybe we should risk just not getting it done - whether by me or paying someone else. Perhaps dropping the sump would be a prudent step to take and if the strainer is looking okay then take the chance, but if not then consider ourselves on borrowed time and get it done.
Incidentally, I see this guy did it without locking tools or the torque multipler which, whilst it is an approach I'd normally outright dismiss as being what a cowboy would do, I can't help but feel it is probably better then not doing it at all!!
Edited by tux850 on Wednesday 22 March 14:49
stevemcs said:
Given the value of the car against the cost of replacement i'd personally change the oil a little more frequently and run the risk. I don't think the belt fails its just the contamination that causes the issues.
Yes, that could be a reasonable strategy to take. And if we get a few more years out of it (the car itself still looks/drive as new - and we both love driving it) then as the risk of potential failure increases and the value of the car drops it could help push me towards attempting it myself if only for the fun, experience and satisfaction. My mind keeps coming back to how many tools I could buy with the saving from not having to pay >£1000 for someone else to do it, and those tools (e.g. impact gun, monster torque wrench etc) being not only useful for this job but a lifetime of further work.Edited by tux850 on Wednesday 22 March 14:44
tux850 said:
I was just about to start a new thread on the topic of Ecoboost timing belt changes but as yours isn't all that old thought I'd resurrect it. Do you mind me asking how much you paid (or were quoted if not yet done) for the job?
My wife's Fiesta has only done 70k but as a 2013 it is coming up to its 10th anniversary so time for the 'lifetime' belt to be replaced. I've seen the issue of belt debris fouling/blocking the oil strainer however given the need for specialist locking/setting tools beyond that which might ordinarily be required and even torque multipliers to do up the stupidly-tight crankshaft pulley (come on Ford - why not make it keyed?!) there is still a part of me that is thinking maybe we should risk just not getting it done - whether by me or paying someone else. Perhaps dropping the sump would be a prudent step to take and if the strainer is looking okay then take the chance, but if not then consider ourselves on borrowed time and get it done.
Incidentally, I see this guy did it without locking tools or the torque multipler which, whilst it is an approach I'd normally outright dismiss as being what a cowboy would do, I can't help but feel it is probably better then not doing it at all!!
What he's doing is reasonable enough. Knowing it is not a located drive pulley, you could make up better locking tools for the cams and flywheel/crank to ensure nothing does move.My wife's Fiesta has only done 70k but as a 2013 it is coming up to its 10th anniversary so time for the 'lifetime' belt to be replaced. I've seen the issue of belt debris fouling/blocking the oil strainer however given the need for specialist locking/setting tools beyond that which might ordinarily be required and even torque multipliers to do up the stupidly-tight crankshaft pulley (come on Ford - why not make it keyed?!) there is still a part of me that is thinking maybe we should risk just not getting it done - whether by me or paying someone else. Perhaps dropping the sump would be a prudent step to take and if the strainer is looking okay then take the chance, but if not then consider ourselves on borrowed time and get it done.
Incidentally, I see this guy did it without locking tools or the torque multipler which, whilst it is an approach I'd normally outright dismiss as being what a cowboy would do, I can't help but feel it is probably better then not doing it at all!!
Edited by tux850 on Wednesday 22 March 14:49
Of course this assumes the engine is a good healthy running engine. If it's a repair of an engine with a belt already failed, you would need some means of timing correctly.
If you knew valve timing stats, you could do it without locking tools, and with dial gauge and crank protractor, much like dialling in aftermarket cams/verniers.
Either or, or just wing it and see LOL.
It is ridiculous though that car makers build such crap that is awkward to maintain
stevieturbo said:
It is ridiculous though that car makers build such crap that is awkward to maintain
Ain`t that the truth. Stupidly overly complex disaster waiting to happen. No amount of oil changes will stop the oil pickup gauze from blocking up with bits of degrading belt.
Even the design of the pickup gauze in its little recess assists with it blocking.
I`ve done belt changes without proper locking tools in a similar manner to the guy in the video but I wouldn`t fancy attempting that job.
Rather perversely the hideousness of the garage pricing for the job (although @stevemiller if yours is anywhere near Wiltshire I'd love to hear the details as £700 doesn't sound too bad) and fear factor of DIYing it that I've been reading on various forums elsewhere is actually pushing me to want to give it a go myself.
I'm beginning to feel I've got nothing to lose (other than leaving my wife without a car of course if I screw it up!) as long as I follow the correct procedure (sent you a message @stevemcs - thanks), and the labour fees I'll save will easily cover the cost of the timing/locking tools (£65) and suitable torque wrench and breaker to give me the 300Nm plus 90 degrees that the crank bolt seemingly requires (if not using the torque multiplier).
I'm beginning to feel I've got nothing to lose (other than leaving my wife without a car of course if I screw it up!) as long as I follow the correct procedure (sent you a message @stevemcs - thanks), and the labour fees I'll save will easily cover the cost of the timing/locking tools (£65) and suitable torque wrench and breaker to give me the 300Nm plus 90 degrees that the crank bolt seemingly requires (if not using the torque multiplier).
Hammer67 said:
stevieturbo said:
It is ridiculous though that car makers build such crap that is awkward to maintain
Ain`t that the truth. Stupidly overly complex disaster waiting to happen. .
From headlight bulbs that require the front of the car removing to "rubber" belts running in the engine oil and everything in between, crazy.
Skyedriver said:
Hammer67 said:
stevieturbo said:
It is ridiculous though that car makers build such crap that is awkward to maintain
Ain`t that the truth. Stupidly overly complex disaster waiting to happen. .
From headlight bulbs that require the front of the car removing to "rubber" belts running in the engine oil and everything in between, crazy.
1" wide belt, 1/2" space between the engine and the inner wing.
Trevor555 said:
stevemcs said:
If you want the Haynes pro work instructions let me know I can email them
I was asked just today whether Haynes is better than Autodata?Have you used both?
Don't want to derail this thread but do Peugeot have a similar engine set up?
Colleague at the museum has received a recall on his 1.2 something or other. States something like timing belt disintegrating contaminating the oil and causing brake fail. (Yes the last bit got me too, unless the engine seizes, you've no servo and limited brakes).
Colleague at the museum has received a recall on his 1.2 something or other. States something like timing belt disintegrating contaminating the oil and causing brake fail. (Yes the last bit got me too, unless the engine seizes, you've no servo and limited brakes).
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