timing belt change

[paddy69]

Hi!
I have a Berlingo van on a 52 plate. 1.9D I presume a DW engine. Having now done 80 thousand miles plus I feel I should do the timing belt. I am very happy to do this myself apart from Haynes saying you NEED the tool to tension properly. Is this really that critical or is it possible just to get the tension right by feel/rack of eye?? Surely it is possible to note tension of the belt coming off and tension new belt similar?
Also, what else is it prudent to replace at the same time?
Many thanks!
Phil

[polar]

The longest run on the belt you should just be able to twist it though 90 degrees with thumb and finger.

To get a rough idea before removing the old belt try it, remember the old belt will be worn and slightly slack.

Fit a timing belt kit including the tensor and idler pulley. Also replace the water pump at the same time.

[paddy69]

Thanks Polar.

I have been scanning the forums and am now very happy to tackle the job and feel I should get on with it.
Parts is now the issue. Where and what to buy? I am planning on keeping this van until it dies, and hopefully that won't be for a long time yet! So NOT the cheapy cheap from ebay as, from past experience, that is very questionable quality. I could go to my local motor factors but I know I pay a premium there even though the parts are usually good quality. SO, Gates/SKF parts from ebay? Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
Phil

[ron]

Thanks Polar.

I have been scanning the forums and am now very happy to tackle the job and feel I should get on with it.
Parts is now the issue. Where and what to buy? I am planning on keeping this van until it dies, and hopefully that won't be for a long time yet! So NOT the cheapy cheap from ebay as, from past experience, that is very questionable quality. I could go to my local motor factors but I know I pay a premium there even though the parts are usually good quality. SO, Gates/SKF parts from ebay? Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
Phil

If you have a branch of GSF nearby,They sell good kit.alut:

[homeruk]

Euro car parts aren't too bad either, plus they always seem to have some sort of offer running all the time too.

[addo]

Myself and at least one other person have been sold used parts by ECP, who then refused to acknowledge the issue. With this demonstrated lack of integrity, I suggest people take their cash elsewhere.

[mikeB]

Hi!
I have a Berlingo van on a 52 plate. 1.9D I presume a DW engine. Having now done 80 thousand miles plus I feel I should do the timing belt. I am very happy to do this myself apart from Haynes saying you NEED the tool to tension properly. Is this really that critical or is it possible just to get the tension right by feel/rack of eye?? Surely it is possible to note tension of the belt coming off and tension new belt similar?
Also, what else is it prudent to replace at the same time?
Many thanks!
Phil

I have a 2005 Berlingo 2.0 HDi with, I think the DW engine. I also have a Picasso of the same age and with the same engine, and had the cambelt replaced last October. On the way home from the garage the belt slipped a notch and the engine made horrendous noises. This was at 6pm on Friday night. The garage was closed so I was towed in by a recovery firm. The garage who did the work asked the recovery garage to repair the engine. The recovery garage found that the tensioner bolt from the kit had stretched slightly, as it was not of sufficient tensile strength, and allowed the tension to reduce. They also said that mine was the third such incident they had come across and that now they always reuse the original tensioner bolt.
The garage that did the work tried claiming off the kit company but they denied it was a problem and said the tensioner had not been assembled correctly. I was left with a £560 bill, on top of the £250 to fit a newcambelt.
If you look at the tensioning procedure prescribed by Citroen you can see it is quite complex, involving tension measurements and some additional manual rotation of the engine, forward and backward. If you do the job yourself I would make absolutely sure you get the tension right, and rotate the engine manually a couple of revolutions before accepting the tension. Oh, and use the original bolt, with locking compound.

[griffin29456]

I own a berlingo 1.4 2000 model Ive just replaced cylinder head gasket and just can't remember where the cam belt alignment marks are!. The obvious marks are on the lower crank pulley and the cut out on the bottom of the alloy casting, but when I aline these marks the engine isn't at t.d.c. so where are the correct marks for the cam shaft pulley and crank pulley?
Thanks,

[polar]

Thanks Polar.

I have been scanning the forums and am now very happy to tackle the job and feel I should get on with it.
Parts is now the issue. Where and what to buy? I am planning on keeping this van until it dies, and hopefully that won't be for a long time yet! So NOT the cheapy cheap from ebay as, from past experience, that is very questionable quality. I could go to my local motor factors but I know I pay a premium there even though the parts are usually good quality. SO, Gates/SKF parts from ebay? Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
Phil

Hi Phil i would use GSF for the safest be although i have used both Gates/SFK parts without problems. make sure you purchase form a good reputable supplier.

[paddy69]

Thanks!
I don't have GSF nearby! There is a Eurocarparts local. Have priced up SKF kit there. Will get price from local motor factor as I have never had a problem with them but they do seem to be a bit expensive usually.

Phil




[b]

Thanks Polar.

I have been scanning the forums and am now very happy to tackle the job and feel I should get on with it.
Parts is now the issue. Where and what to buy? I am planning on keeping this van until it dies, and hopefully that won't be for a long time yet! So NOT the cheapy cheap from ebay as, from past experience, that is very questionable quality. I could go to my local motor factors but I know I pay a premium there even though the parts are usually good quality. SO, Gates/SKF parts from ebay? Any other suggestions?
Cheers!
Phil

Hi Phil i would use GSF for the safest be although i have used both Gates/SFK parts without problems. make sure you purchase form a good reputable supplier.