Cambelt Intervals On a 16 Petrol

[Tim Leech]

Anyone know what they should be, the TRS had one done 24000 miles/3 years ago by a ccitroen specialist using genuine bits.

[mnde]

BX DIY site suggests 60,000kms so roughly 37-38,000 miles? I'll take a look in my BX16 service book at home, but I guess someone will beat me to it...

Mark.

[Tim Leech]

Thanks guys, Im sure its fine as its got a full history but better to be safe than sorry.

[Philip Chidlow]

Personally Tim I'd trust it, but have a gander first. 3 years isn't too old and mileage since its last rpelacement's OK.

[Tim Leech]

Im changing the LHM, oil, coolant, pads, plugs and filters on Friday so will have a visual inspection at the same time.

ta.

[MULLEY]

36k seems a bit short, i thought the petrols were at least 48k, anyone actually know what it should be, & why'll i'm asking, are the diesels the same?

[DavidRutherford]

a visual inspection

... will tell you absolutely nothing about the condition of the belt (that is unless it's covered in oil or something similar.)

The diesel engine belt interval is reconned to be 72k, but I think that's a bit long. I'd say 50k is about right as a compromise between guaranteed not to break, and not changing it every 5 minutes.

The haynes book of myths seems to indicate that the petrol engine service interval is the same (72k) with them recommending that it be done at half that (36k). Again, I'd say that 50k is not only a better compromise, but is also far easier to remember and hence you're less likely to be running around with a belt you've completely forgotten about.

[Tim Leech]

Ok thanks for the info, as its only done 24k since its last change and I doubt I will be doing more than 500 miles or so over the winter It can wait until next summer.

ta.

[Philip Chidlow]

In fairness to Tim, it was me who suggested having 'a gander' - and IMO will tell you something if the belt appears to be seriously cracked/perished (admittedly though, belts don't give much away do they?!)... Any doubt at all, it has to be said, change it!

[MULLEY]

Got to agree with David, a visual of the cambelt unless its clearly knackered doesnt unfortunately mean its any good. Always play it safe, most dont cost a fortune to get done anyway, as opposed to a wrecked engine....

Cheers for the heads-up on the cambelt change intervals David, i did think from memory that the petrol one was quite a long interval. The 5yr timescale also rang a bell regardless of whether the car has done low milelage within that timeframe as well, they perish rather like car tyres even when unused.

[docchevron]

Indeed, belst do have a time expire life.
According to Citroen's own technical data 1.6 petrols should be replaced every 50K miles (under adverse conditions) with no difinitive mileage given for non adverse conditions.

1.9 8V's are given at 50k miles as are 16v's which is just madness!

Citroen's own data for diesels vary between 48K and 80K depending on year and engine type.
All of which is too far if you ask me.

[DavidRutherford]

All of which is too far if you ask me.

I think it depends a lot on how well the previous belt has been fitted. I've known belts that have been over-tensioned last no time at all (under 10k). I've also known factory-fit belts (IE properly tensioned with a twang-o-meter) last well beyond their design life. My van still had it's original belt on at 140k miles! Cracked, perished and generally knackered, but still working fine.

[Philip Chidlow]

Cracked, perished and generally knackered, but still working fine.

Like some of us...

[Tim Leech]

Well this is a genuine citroen part fitted by a citroen speciats (ex cit mechanic apparently) so one would hope he knew what he was doing!

[docchevron]

twang-o-meter

I shall at once make a tag up for my SEEM meter and officially rename it a twang-o-meter!

Gold!