Renault did the cambelt...

[Tomgilb]

Evening all.

Started working on old smokey today, whipped the cambelt off ready for new seals and pulleys etc.. I have a receipt for the last cam belt she had, from a Renault dealer in Hertfordshire. 10 years ago ( 20k miles )

When I went to lock the cams with the horse shoe tool the cams weren't lined up, crank locked a tdc. (Attached pic ) is this normal? I assumed that if it was timed properly when the crank was locked a TDC the cams would be correctly lined up?

 

[JamesBryan]

Doesn't look too bad considering its 10 years old.

 

[Louis]

To be fair 10 years is a long time.

 

[scullyg40]

I'm changing the belt as well right now, and it's exactly the same. I can't get the tool in either.

 

[Tomgilb]

So they adjust out of time over time? That doesnt sound right?

 

[Tomgilb]

I'm changing the belt as well right now, and it's exactly the same. I can't get the tool in either.

I've timed it up, just felt bad for the guy who paid renault to fit the belt last time.

 

[scullyg40]

I wouldn't say so. More likely the Renault mecanic thought 'good enough'.

 

[scullyg40]

I've timed it up, just felt bad for the guy who paid renault to fit the belt last time.

I've got the bill, it was cheaper than I thought.

 

[scullyg40]

I've timed it up, just felt bad for the guy who paid renault to fit the belt last time.

How did you time it? I suppose by loosening one of the pulleys? If you changed the dephaser, that's obvious ofcourse.

 

[Tomgilb]

Yes that's right. Fitted the correct locking tools on the cam pulleys and released the bolts. Then lined up the cams.

 

[scullyg40]

Yes that's right. Fitted the correct locking tools on the cam pulleys and released the bolts. Then lined up the cams.

Thanks for the confirmation l, I'll do the same.

 

[JamesBryan]

Yes that's right. Fitted the correct locking tools on the cam pulleys and released the bolts. Then lined up the cams.

I'd you've released the cam pulleys, the cams will rotate slightly due to the valve spring pressure moving them.

 

[Tomgilb]

I'd you've released the cam pulleys, the cams will rotate slightly due to the valve spring pressure moving them.

Yes that's exactly what I did, I was just surprised that the cams weren't in sync, is this a trait of the VVT? When the intake and exhaust cams were released the cams didn't spring back in line, I had to re align them. No issues

 

[JamesBryan]

Yes that's exactly what I did, I was just surprised that the cams weren't in sync, is this a trait of the VVT? When the intake and exhaust cams were released the cams didn't spring back in line, I had to re align them. No issues

Yeah, the pulleys are floating so once you undo them the cams a free to move and they usually do a small amount (which is probably what you're seeing).

If you wanted to check the original timing of the old belt, you could have left the pulleys as they were and just tried slotting the horseshoe tool in when locked at tdc.

 

[Tomgilb]

"If you wanted to check the original timing of the old belt, you could have left the pulleys as they were and just tried slotting the horseshoe tool in when locked at tdc"

That's exactly what I did mate, and the cams were out.. thats why I was asking. I've re timed it now by releasing the cams. I have a bill of nearly £1200 for a cam belt change from Renault which the previous owner gave me. I just contacted him and asked If it ran ok after this work was done, guess what he said!!! Shocking state of affairs if you ask me.

 

[JamesBryan]

"If you wanted to check the original timing of the old belt, you could have left the pulleys as they were and just tried slotting the horseshoe tool in when locked at tdc"

That's exactly what I did mate, and the cams were out.. thats why I was asking. I've re timed it now by releasing the cams. I have a bill of nearly £1200 for a cam belt change from Renault which the previous owner gave me. I just contacted him and asked If it ran ok after this work was done, guess what he said!!! Shocking state of affairs if you ask me.

Ahh ok.

It's possible it could have moved over time. I'm not sure how much the belt is likely to stretch over time.

It would have ran ok as it was tbh, most people wouldn't be able to tell with typical rough idle that they have at the best of times.

 

[Tomgilb]

That mate is a very good point!!

 

[Coops Mk1]

belt stretch or dephaser wear can cause that and after ten years not suprising really

 

[hipwell]

During that 10 years it could also have had somebody playing with the timing trying to replicate group N?

 

[Tomgilb]

belt stretch or dephaser wear can cause that and after ten years not suprising really

With just shy of 20k Miles? Seems a bit excessive dont you think? The new seals turn up tomorrow ( I forgot to order them!) The crank seal was a bit wet. And of course the balancer has the standard cracking on the rubber... do you think its worth changing it now? It's only going to be a weekend/ track toy. I can live with a lumpy idle. Or has anyone had one fail?

 

[JamesBryan]

With just shy of 20k Miles? Seems a bit excessive dont you think? The new seals turn up tomorrow ( I forgot to order them!) The crank seal was a bit wet. And of course the balancer has the standard cracking on the rubber... do you think its worth changing it now? It's only going to be a weekend/ track toy. I can live with a lumpy idle. Or has anyone had one fail?

I would change it if you can find one.

They do fail when the outer separates from the inner.

 

[Alex H]

I bought a 182 with timing like this when I bought it, albeit not done by Renault.

 

[Tomgilb]

That was well out! Like the laptop engine cover 👍