Have a look at what a cambelt look`s like when it breaks at motorway speeds, very basically the belt was way past its due date as the last picture shows and was going to go at any moment.

 

 

 

 

Now your thinking valves and pistons etc arn`t you? well this guy must have had a lucky day because despite what you see there was NO DAMAGE! a new belt, pump, pulleys, stat etc and a perfectly running engine, all compressions well within spec, now I call that lucky.

 

Jeff TT

Hi jeff,after seeing this thread i was a bit concerned about cambelt on my zed, had it changed 4yrs ago however since then ive driven 20,000 miles max, recently took off upper cam cover belt looked ok should i get it changed anyway thanx.

Ok nad first off I doubt you have anything to worry at just yet, provided you have not had any water or oil leaks contaminating the belt then it should be fine for a good while yet.

 

One point I must add is the view of the belt in tension when removing the right hand cam cover can be misleading, the only real test is to bend the belt backwards when slack and look into the teeth, of course this means the belt has to be removed so there you go, this really applies to unknown belt mileage/ age but as you know yours nad you can take a different view, I would say though in a years time regardless of mileage get it changed as rubber deteriorate and 5 years is a good value anyway.

 

Jeff TT

im scared, is their any way of checking what nic your cambelts in what should you look for....sorry for soundin fick

im scared, is their any way of checking what nic your cambelts in what should you look for....sorry for soundin fick

 

most important things to check

 

tension,cracks,fraid belt,shiny belt indicates wear,worn teeth on the belt is not good and can possibly cause the belt to jump of the sprockets which can not only mess the timing up but at worse cause severe engine damage as said if you are unsure of when the belt and tensioner was replaced get it done,its a small price,compared to an engine rebuild