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MG MGF Technical - VVC cam belt query

Hi all,

Now I'm pretty sure that the answer is going to be no but jic...

Is there anyway to tell the condition of the cam belts w/o stripping the car down?

I bought a 96 VVC at Easter and after going through the old documentation there is no receipt for the 5 yr/ 60k cam belt replacement, although there is "some" indication that it was performed.

I'm umm'ing and ahh'ing as to whether I fork out monster cash in January to have them replaced, just to be on the safe side.

Is it something that could be checked and advised on during a standard service. And saying that could anyone in the Essex area recommend a centre where I should get the service done, who wont necessarily insist on the cam belt being replaced whether it needs it or not.

Thanks,

Matt.
Matt Wood

You could look at the alt belt condition, if thats bad then I'd get the cambelt done as well, by the time you can see a problem with the cam belt then it's usually too late.

If the car was MGR serviced at 60k then they should have a record.

>w/o stripping the car down?

A standard service will involve removing the 10 10mm bolts on the engine cover (real easy) the next 4 bolts on the cam cover are fiddly in that they are not easy to see, but even the most lame garage should be able to remove the cover in 2 mins flat - this is with the point above accepted.
Will Munns

Matt - I assume that you mean both belts? In any case, I'm not sure how helpful a visual inspection is in acertaining the condition of the cam belts. Remember that the replacement is based on age as well as the vehicle's mileage, so whilst wear might not be obvious, the 'belt could, nonetheless, be at risk of breaking.

I guess what this is boiling down to is as what you expected the answer to be Matt - namely get the belt replaced as a matter of course. Best to err on the side of caution: the belt change is a lot cheaper than having to have the engine rebuilt should it snap...
Rob Bell

Aye, that it be.

Thanks to you both.

Just need an Essex service centre recommendation then please peeps.

tvm.
Matt Wood

SF can probably help you there - must you use an official MGR dealership?
Rob Bell

Matt,
If you only want to get the 2 cam belts, the alt belt and the tensioner done, then I had mine done a few months back for £225 in Benfleet (NON MG garage).
Rich
Richard P

Rob, I just assumed that only an MGR d'ship would have the nous for full service with the cam belt replacements. I suppose that's what they WANT you to think.

Rich, that seems v. reasonable. Could you please post a name and/or number and I'll give them a ring.

Thx,

Matt.
Matt Wood

Matt,
It's
Shore Repairs
Manor Trading Estate
Benfleet
01268 793910

I am a regular customer of them so I may have got it a tad cheaper, feel free to mention my name if it helps
MGF = T Blue
rich
Richard P

<chuckle> - yup, you're right Matt - they WOULD want you to think that - but the only specialist tools required are the ones that lock the cams in position when the belts are removed :o)

Richard's suggestion could be a good bet - as they've clearly had experience. Personally I take my car further afield for servicing - in fact all the way up to Techspeed ;o) LOL
Rob Bell

Thanks Rich, I'll phone them in the new year.

Rob, why's that? Peace of mind, a good deal or just a fun day out for all the family? :o)

Matt.
Matt Wood

Matt

Techspeed are the 'noted' experts in F maintenance, especially for track and/or speed work - they used to maintain several MGF Cup racing cars and possibly still do - and Rob is into track work, when his brakes don't go wedge shape that is! - see the 2003 Treffen Reports.

And now that my F has become a second car I may do the same as Rob and send 'The Green Squirrel' there for a good going over.

Ted

Ted Newman

Matt,

Ted's on the money here. TechSpeed have a great reputation. It's not just for their race-prep experience either. They do standard servicing and repair work. However, as their main business is race-prep this is easier for them to do in the winter - out of season.

Many of us make the round trip to Eathorpe, near Leamington Spa because they are worth it (sounds like a shampoo ad!) In my case I travel 80 miles each way.

Rob'll be back shortly no doubt to re-confirm!

Dave
Dave Livingstone

My car's up in Eathorpe as we speak - took it up to Techspeed for its 8th annual service on Saturday :o)

Always good to get up there - the other machinary is always fun to look at from the single-seater track-day special to the Corvette that's currently being prepared for an owner! Like a proper race-shop, it is scrupiously clean, and inspires confidence. The guys are always very thorough - and for this reason alone I think it is worth leaving the car with them - because the pricing is not menu based, they take the time to do things properly (which still works out cheaper because of the lower labour rates!) :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/12/2003 and 15/12/2003

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