Cam belt change

[rdodger]

First job on the new to me Elan was a cam belt change.

When I picked up the car I was told it had been changed 3000 miles ago. This was true, but the car has done 3000 miles since 2006!

I ordered up a new cam belt and both aux belts along with oil and filter. Tensioners and water pump were done last time and proved to be in perfect condition.

What a PIG of a job! Even changing the oil filter was a battle. I think the last person to change it must have been The Hulk!

I never ever want to do the job again! Ever! Never never never! 7 hours of sheer hell. I think it would have been quicker to take the engine out.

I new it wasn't going to be an easy job so went to my mate Big Dave's garage to do it. Lucky I did as I think it would have defeated me and Dave ended up doing most of it.

I think I made a mistake in that I split the engine mount thinking it would be easier to do it that way. Wrong! Just try putting it back together on the car.

I should have removed the crank pulley at the beginning to give me more room to remove the engine mount.

I should have cut down an 8mm allen key before I started.

Off for a lie down and a few beers now.

[epipete]

Had mine done today, nice drive home from the garage and my wallet is lighter to a figure commensurate with about 4hrs labour; I'm great full that I didn't try it myself as every bolt on my car is rusted solid (I think previously it had been kept in a sauna) my mechanic tells me of the misery in removing several (any of which if they had sheared would have necessitated an engine removal to access) luckily they didn't!

Happy motoring!

[V8vroom]

Oh well you've saved some cash - I'll have to pay someone to do that one next time it's needed

[Mr Fixit]

In exactly the same position, cam belt was changed but in 2007 and only done a few K since so really needs doing;- I'm not bad withj a set of spanners but reading this I think discretion is the better part of valor

Fortunately Essex Autosport www.essexautosport.com/are close at hand

Many thanks and I hope you knuckles get better soon!

[Saltire]

I must be very fortunate - my mechanic changed mine last week and said it took him just shy of 3 hours, including a break to cut down an Allen key. Mind you, he can fix anything - he used to be head mechanic for several of the BTCC teams.

Bad news: he found two of the wheels are slightly buckled (but, fortunately, repairable)

[petezipp]

yes probably the most awkward job in automotive history.
Mine had all Hex bolts which may not be standard but don't make the job any easier.
next time my I'll give myself a week and buy some valium.