Another timing belt ?

[dannyb]

Just thinking out loud at moment but opinions wanted,

My Ph1 172 is due a belt but money is tight at moment so realistically its not going to happen for a while, I would like to take it to a specialist but its simply a no go at moment. However I'm quite mechanically minded restored a classic mini (feels like a long time ago cant remember forum name but sure Chip took it over) and done a few cambelts on other cars although never anything complicated or even 16v TBH.

I am basically toying with the idea of buying genuine Renault tools and belt kit and doing it myself, I have read the DIY guide and it looks pretty straight forward (also read the regular threads about bodged ones on here) also i can keep buying the bits needed as i have the cash. The other bonus is that i don't need to rush it as i can take the car off the road and do it at my own pace, We plan to keep the car as long as possible so hopefully will be doing a few changes.

I suppose the question is can it be done at home by a home mechanic with time and correct tools or will it all end in tears.

Just to add the last change was done by a non specialist as far as i can gather

 

[Daniel]

Surely by the time you buy the tools and both belt kits, it will cost the same as a specialist will charge??

 

[dannyb]

Possibly but I could get the tools now and get the bits as I have the cash, I know logic says says save up but it never seems to happen something always crops up. Also I like a challenge and when it needed doing again I would already have the tools.

Im not taking anthing away from the specialists on here they do a great job im just thinking at the moment.