Citroen 2.0ltr HDI timing belt.

[Rustynuts]

Ok, having just taken possession of a new (to me) van, I've dug out the service records to make sure all is well. It's been serviced every 10 - 12k miles on average, which is good and what I'd expect. The service schedule calls for the timing belt to be changed every 75k miles for the 1.9ltr engine version of this van, and every 100k miles for my version, the 2.0ltr HDI engine. As it's done 183k miles you'd expect it to be ok and in need of a belt at 200k miles if it was done at 100k.

Wrong! The numpty who did the belt first time round read the service book as needing it doing at 75k miles (25k before it needed it) so merrily did it then. After that, the next timing belt would be either 150k or 175k miles, depending on how they looked at the service schedule, but they've apparently looked at it as though it needs doing at 200k without checking when it was done last. So, my timing belt which is good for 100k miles, has now done 108k miles.

Here's the question. Do I drive it to the garage to have the belt done or play it safe and push it?

[Wobby]

Tow it on the back of your Bora!

I dont think its all that critical, i suppose it depends how its been driven. My Passat should should have been done at 180k, its at 200k and still not snapped I will be very pi$$ed if it does

Now my questions

What age is it? Is it a dispatch? Is it a 110 BHP? Whats it sound like at that mileage? Been looking at getting a Dispatch 110BHP.

Seems wrong you asking questions , your here only to answer other peoples questions!!

[Rustynuts]

It's a Berlingo HDI, with the 90 bhp engine. The engine is sweet enough considering the miles, and bodywise it's in good nick, as it's only 4 years old. It's a good bit nippier than the old 1.9 engined pig I had until earlier this year and a lot easier to drive.

I didn't want to get into the Dispatch size of van really as I don't need the extra size. The Berlingo is just about enough for what I do.

Seriously mate. I'd get that belt of yours done sharpish. 20k miles overdue is a lot of miles, and yes you will be pi$$ed if it snaps.

[Wobby]

Going to take the car off the road for a few days and fit this other engine, see how it runs .

A good time to look at a few other bits and bobs as well. Going to clean all the intake parts, flush the intercooler etc.

Also need to check the steering rack, getting a strange rattle occasionally that transmits through the car making it vibrate. With the engine out it should bee easier to get round things.

Not disappointed with the car, i think its been great and much better power than any other Passat i have had.

We need a dispatch to fit an IBC in the back with a generator and other equipment. Thanks for the advice

[Rustynuts]

Well, new timing belt (and a set of pads and discs on the front) and it's away. Averaging about 47 mpg from the first tank, so not bad at all for a works van. The last on averaged less than 40 mpg with a 1.9 non-turbo diesel.

Much easier to drive than the old one, and overtaking is possible.