Hi All,
Long time lurker here. Got the cambelt kit, auxiliary belt drive kit, de-phaser, "plug cams" (whatever that is) and water pump changed, on my 2005 182 (air-con). Just want to pass on my experiences of having all the above changed, and not just the cambelt kit, for the following three reasons.
First, having the de-phaser changed (Renaultspeed Renault indy specialist in Farnborough North Camp) has made the world of difference. Nothing was wrong with the old de-phaser: pulled like a train above 5k, smooth and quiet at idle. But, for some some reason, having it changed has definitely improved the car. It now pulls more keenly at lower revs, and generally seems to have more torque. Secondly, was umming and ahhing about having the water pump done. Glad now I did. Mechanic said old one was leaking (he didn't talk me into it; I'd already asked him to change it). Prevention is better than a cooked engine! And thirdly, mechanic gave me back all the old parts in the boxes the new Renault parts came in, so I could inspect them. Had a look at old aux belt, and it was totally cracked all over. How much longer it would have lasted is like how long is a piece of string. Car has done 55k, complete FSH and never seen a race track, and I'm telling you, aux belt looked ready to go any time. Legend has it, if the aux belt goes on a 1*2, it can take the cambelt with it. My guess is, last (and only other) time cambelt was changed by previous owner, they only had the cambelt done. Old cambelt looked almost brand new, by the way.
So I'm now enjoying a measurably improved driving experience and I've got peace of mind.
On an unrelated matter, got a problem I'm wondering if anyone can shed any light on. Exhaust has split, just to the rear of the front/rear connection, and I'm wondering if it can be welded. Is it worth welding, and if so, how long could such a repair last? Anyone know? Thanks.
Long time lurker here. Got the cambelt kit, auxiliary belt drive kit, de-phaser, "plug cams" (whatever that is) and water pump changed, on my 2005 182 (air-con). Just want to pass on my experiences of having all the above changed, and not just the cambelt kit, for the following three reasons.
First, having the de-phaser changed (Renaultspeed Renault indy specialist in Farnborough North Camp) has made the world of difference. Nothing was wrong with the old de-phaser: pulled like a train above 5k, smooth and quiet at idle. But, for some some reason, having it changed has definitely improved the car. It now pulls more keenly at lower revs, and generally seems to have more torque. Secondly, was umming and ahhing about having the water pump done. Glad now I did. Mechanic said old one was leaking (he didn't talk me into it; I'd already asked him to change it). Prevention is better than a cooked engine! And thirdly, mechanic gave me back all the old parts in the boxes the new Renault parts came in, so I could inspect them. Had a look at old aux belt, and it was totally cracked all over. How much longer it would have lasted is like how long is a piece of string. Car has done 55k, complete FSH and never seen a race track, and I'm telling you, aux belt looked ready to go any time. Legend has it, if the aux belt goes on a 1*2, it can take the cambelt with it. My guess is, last (and only other) time cambelt was changed by previous owner, they only had the cambelt done. Old cambelt looked almost brand new, by the way.
So I'm now enjoying a measurably improved driving experience and I've got peace of mind.
On an unrelated matter, got a problem I'm wondering if anyone can shed any light on. Exhaust has split, just to the rear of the front/rear connection, and I'm wondering if it can be welded. Is it worth welding, and if so, how long could such a repair last? Anyone know? Thanks.
