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[doz]

So I finished doing the belt today. Having watched the forum DVD (which is excellent) it's not to bad a job. So my findings when doing the job.
1. I didn't fully remove the plenum chamber. I unbolted it and then suspended it from the bonnet using a ratchet strap.
2. The water pipe which runs across in front of the block doesn't need to be removed however if does make things a lot easier.
3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
4. While talking about the markings. I used a Gates belt kit. There are markings in white and yellow however don't think you use just one colour you use a mix of both and ignore some.
5. I was amazed how much you could adjust each bank by adjusting the rollers (not the tensioner)
6. Being patient and lots of tea drinking is a must "smoke if ya got em"

Findings of my old belt. My old belt had covered 29k miles but was 6 years old. The actual belt was in excellent condition. You could still just make out the markings on it and they told me it was a GM supplied belt. The tensioner and guides where by SKF which were also supplied with the new Gates belt. The tensioner and guide assembly was in excellent condition. There was no play in the bearings and they ran smoothly and quietly. The guide which is on it's own was worse for ware. The bearing felt very loose and was notchy when spun. It was also very noisy.

So I'd say I've had a lucky escape. How long the guide would of lasted I've know idea however it just proves that mileage alone is not a good indicator on belt condition. Mine could of covered another 11k miles before it was due however I feel the lower guide would of lunched its self long before then.

 
 

[JamesV6CDX]

3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
 

Disagree. As long as it's set up correctly using the kit, the marks mean nothing. (they'll never line up again once engine has been rotated).

They're just there to help you place it correctly the first time, not a necessity

[JamesV6CDX]

That said - the marks are obviously a great help to someone who hasn't done the job a few times, and absolutely bloody brilliant for tackling it yourself 

[Marks DTM Calib]

3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
 

Disagree. As long as it's set up correctly using the kit, the marks mean nothing. (they'll never line up again once engine has been rotated).
They're just there to help you place it correctly the first time, not a necessity

They will be it takes quite a few rotations 

[feeutfo]

Never seen a cam belt with marks on personally.

[Elite_L0ver]

So I finished doing the belt today. Having watched the forum DVD (which is excellent) it's not to bad a job. So my findings when doing the job.
1. I didn't fully remove the plenum chamber. I unbolted it and then suspended it from the bonnet using a ratchet strap.
2. The water pipe which runs across in front of the block doesn't need to be removed however if does make things a lot easier.
3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
4. While talking about the markings. I used a Gates belt kit. There are markings in white and yellow however don't think you use just one colour you use a mix of both and ignore some.
5. I was amazed how much you could adjust each bank by adjusting the rollers (not the tensioner)
6. Being patient and lots of tea drinking is a must "smoke if ya got em"

Findings of my old belt. My old belt had covered 29k miles but was 6 years old. The actual belt was in excellent condition. You could still just make out the markings on it and they told me it was a GM supplied belt. The tensioner and guides where by SKF which were also supplied with the new Gates belt. The tensioner and guide assembly was in excellent condition. There was no play in the bearings and they ran smoothly and quietly. The guide which is on it's own was worse for ware. The bearing felt very loose and was notchy when spun. It was also very noisy.

So I'd say I've had a lucky escape. How long the guide would of lasted I've know idea however it just proves that mileage alone is not a good indicator on belt condition. Mine could of covered another 11k miles before it was due however I feel the lower guide would of lunched its self long before then.

 

Any chance I could borrow it 

[dbug]

So I finished doing the belt today. Having watched the forum DVD (which is excellent) it's not to bad a job. So my findings when doing the job.
1. I didn't fully remove the plenum chamber. I unbolted it and then suspended it from the bonnet using a ratchet strap.
2. The water pipe which runs across in front of the block doesn't need to be removed however if does make things a lot easier.
3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
4. While talking about the markings. I used a Gates belt kit. There are markings in white and yellow however don't think you use just one colour you use a mix of both and ignore some.
5. I was amazed how much you could adjust each bank by adjusting the rollers (not the tensioner)
6. Being patient and lots of tea drinking is a must "smoke if ya got em"

Findings of my old belt. My old belt had covered 29k miles but was 6 years old. The actual belt was in excellent condition. You could still just make out the markings on it and they told me it was a GM supplied belt. The tensioner and guides where by SKF which were also supplied with the new Gates belt. The tensioner and guide assembly was in excellent condition. There was no play in the bearings and they ran smoothly and quietly. The guide which is on it's own was worse for ware. The bearing felt very loose and was notchy when spun. It was also very noisy.

So I'd say I've had a lucky escape. How long the guide would of lasted I've know idea however it just proves that mileage alone is not a good indicator on belt condition. Mine could of covered another 11k miles before it was due however I feel the lower guide would of lunched its self long before then.

 

Any chance I could borrow it 

Buy your own copy from he OOF shop mate - only £3 - don't be tight 

[doz]

Or you can have my second copy for free. I ordered a copy then when I opened my cambelt locking kit I found a copy. I forgot I brought my kit from a ABS member second hand. He must of thrown the disc in.

[Elite_L0ver]

Or you can have my second copy for free. I ordered a copy then when I opened my cambelt locking kit I found a copy. I forgot I brought my kit from a ABS member second hand. He must of thrown the disc in.

Lol    

[doz]

You got the tools to do the job?

[JamesV6CDX]

3. You have to use the markings on the belt. I've never used them in the past on other cars however with this v6 it's a must.
 

Disagree. As long as it's set up correctly using the kit, the marks mean nothing. (they'll never line up again once engine has been rotated).
They're just there to help you place it correctly the first time, not a necessity

They will be it takes quite a few rotations 

You knew exactly what I meant, Mr DTM!!

[TheBoy]

Of course, all those £3 for the DVDs help to pay for the running costs of this site, so naturally, we'd like to see people buy them from the OOF shop, rather than any lending...

[Murph]

Yeah OK..... just bought one!   

[Elite_L0ver]

Of course, all those £3 for the DVDs help to pay for the running costs of this site, so naturally, we'd like to see people buy them from the OOF shop, rather than any lending...

Sorry admin I will be buying one just got to wait till end of month