Cambelt change intervals 1.8 K Series

[Emilys dad]

What's the recommended intervals for cam belt changes on a 1.8 K Series.

 

I've seen various ages/mileages mentioned on line so not really very helpful

 

The car I'm getting is 9 years old but has only done 5,000 miles.

 

Obviously should have been changed long ago by age if not mileage, but don't recall seeing it in the service history.

I'll speak to Caterham before I pick it up but wanted to be armed with the facts before ringing.

Cheers All

 

Dave.

[Roadsport06]

Rover recommended 5 years or 60000 miles

[Markiebabes]

Have a look here 5 years or 48,000 miles 😬

[Jonathan Kay]

Snap! I checked this with James Whiting last year.

 

Jonathan

[Markiebabes]

😬

 

Worth changing the cam belt tensioner at the same time 😬

[Wrightpayne]

Another one to search the archives. Gates is the manufacturer of choice.

 

Also, take Oily's advice and fit the VVC belt which is 3mm wider. IIRC if you're switching from an auto tensioner to manual then you need a different belt. If switching to manual tensioner then I think you also have to drill & tap the block.

 

 

Regards

 

Ian

[Myles]

Mine gave up at around 6 years and 35k miles - stripped teeth resulting in loss of all valve heads.

 

My adivce is not to push it too far.

[oldbutnotslow]

The problem with our cars is that they often stand for months on end so you have tension in a couple of places on the belt

 

For what they cost compared to the cost of a head strip and valve replacement I would suggest 3 or 4 years at most.

 

The tensioners dont seem to be prone to wearing but its worth checking all the same.

Have a good look at the water pump whilst you have the cover off and replace if there is any sign of play or weeping. (Again they are as cheap as chips)