I wonder if anyone has views on this situation.

 

My UK Z32 had a replacement Jap engine fitted 20,000 miles ago, when a new cambelt was fitted. That was 8 years ago (OK, so I only use the car for special, rather than as a daily driver).

 

The question is - with only 20k miles on that belt, does it NEED to be changed? If the time interval is also critical, that would mean that even at rest with the engine switched off, the belt is under stress. Is that really true??

 

I heard of some Australian research (sorry, lost reference) that claimed the time element was in fact irrelevant - the important factor is the engine running time, eg mileage.

 

Anyone got any views on this?

 

Much appreciated,

 

thanks,

 

Peter

Edinburgh

Yes, time is important, cant remember the years quoted but if I remember its 60k miles or 4 years.

 

Its an easy job too.

Yes, its a perishble item, made of rubber that breaks down over time, when open to the elements and at risk of contamination from waste engine fluids.

If I bought a 1966 E-Type Jag that had been sitting unused in a garage for twenty years , I`d be inclined to change the belts . Just taking the hypothesis to the extreme ;)

Yes, time is important, cant remember the years quoted but if I remember its 60k miles or 4 years.

 

Its an easy job too.

With an industry recognised, average mileage of 12k per year - service interval would be 60k or 5 years (whichever is soonest).

In reallity, I would not wait any longer than 7 or 8 years between cambelt changes - however low the mileage travelled.

My policy is if you are worried then get it done mate. Better to be safe than sorry.

And I just happen to have a brand new one for sale! £35 delivered ;)

4 years max! as said already

Well, a unanimous response there! Thanks for the input, lads...