Replace cam belt?

[NotAGolf]

I bought an X reg (2000) Ford fiesta zetec from a family member a little while ago. Just trawled through all the service history and it looks like they haven't had the cam belt done. Did some more searching and it looks like it's due now as it says to replace after 10 years or 100k miles.

It's currently only done 65k (was driven by old people who didn't use it that much) and is fairly good nick.

Would you recommend getting it changed? Are there any factors that could perhaps point to a longer/shorter life span, e.g. I'd imagine as it's been driven by old people it might be in better condition than a boy racer for example.

Cheers.

 

[Dandle]

It's about the right age to need it done(unless it's got the crossflow 1.3 engine then there is no cambelt, don't know if that's relavent to 2000 car though). The rubber degrades overtime, get it done and then you won't have to worry about it.

 

[SlyReaper]

It's worth doing for piece of mind alone. I recently flicked through my service records and found out my car had never had a cambelt change in 17 years. I got that sorted pronto.

 

[Kanifee]

if it isnt in the service history for what ever reason i change it on any car i buy, easier for me as i generally do it myself though just makes sense to have that peace of mind.

 

[Janesy B]

It's about the right age to need it done(unless it's got the crossflow 1.3 engine then there is no cambelt, don't know if that's relavent to 2000 car though). The rubber degrades overtime, get it done and then you won't have to worry about it.

It won't be a 1300 if its a Zetec.

You should get the belt done, 10 years on a belt is pushing your luck.

 

[2Thumbs]

Yes, ~£200 outlay now is better than a worthless car with bent valves and god knows what else.

Make sure you get the tensioners and water pump done at the same time too.

 

[jaysus]

Seconded, well worth doing tensioners and water pump at same time - a water pump leaking anti freeze over the belt will weaken it rapidly and cause it to go, and the extra labour cost is negligible.

 

[Dandle]

It won't be a 1300 if its a Zetec.

You should get the belt done, 10 years on a belt is pushing your luck.

I thought Zetec was also a trim level?

 

[Janesy B]

I thought Zetec was also a trim level?

It is, but the 1.3 was never available in that trim level.

 

[Perywinkle]

They haven't made the crossflow engine since the mk1 fiesta have they?

 

[Janesy B]

They haven't made the crossflow engine since the mk1 fiesta have they?

It's not really a crossflow, its an Endura-E engine which traces back to the Valencia unit used in the mk1.

 

[The Edge]

If in any doubt get it changed.

 

[NotAGolf]

Ok thanks for the input all. Just need to weigh up how long I'm going to keep it for against the cost. Looks like it might be a costly fix though

 

[Matt82]

i had to sort out a 1.25 the other week where the 12 year old, 96k mile cambelt had slipped due to tensioner failure.

the engine survived, but if you want it to last id get it sorted. its hardly a lot to pay for piece of mind

 

[Janesy B]

Belt kit is £50, get an indy to do the labour, £250 all in...

 

[Matt82]

yup. £50 gets you a proper posh gates kit

 

[Janesy B]

yup. £50 gets you a proper posh gates kit

Continental...

 

[Matt82]

well the continental, from my experience, are jammed packed with posh bits too. i stuck on the S4 and it was NTN tensioner, SNR rollers etc to a geek like me it was like opening a little treasure chest

the tensioner in the fester kit was SNR so tbh i dont think you can go wrong with Conti or Gates

 

[dalin80]

if you do get it done have the rocker cover gasket changed at the same time.

 

[2Thumbs]

Ok thanks for the input all. Just need to weigh up how long I'm going to keep it for against the cost. Looks like it might be a costly fix though

Define costly?

£2-250 is considerably cheaper than £1000+ to repair bent valves and god knows what else.

Plus the car will be more of an interest to perspective buyer's when you come to sell.