V6 Cambelt change

[D18]

Just had the cambelt done on my '04 GSi today. Since there is usually a fair bit of debate about the correct time to change these belts, I just thought I'd share a bit of feedback from the guy who did mine. My car is in the 80K miles / 8 year change category - according to Vx. However, having read several opinions on this forum, I decided to get it done at 45K miles. Again, based on the advice here, I had the cambelt and waterpump done at the same time.

I had the chance to chat briefly to the mechanic/technician who did the work at my local Vx main dealer and asked him what he thought about the 80K miles interval. He confirmed the advice on this forum that waiting until 80K is simply asking for trouble - he's seen too many failures long before that mileage is reached.

He also thought the GSi was a cracking car (I have to agree) and he enjoyed working on a 'decent engine' for a change

[yorkshireborn]

allways best to be safe than sorry

[GSiFan]

How much did the whole job cost - bottom line? I want to get mine done ASAP. It's pushing 60k miles now. Did you get yours done at a VX main stealer?

Paul

[BIG NEIL]

[Johnsdutton]

TOO

[D18]

In response to the queries above;

1) Yes - job done at Vx main dealer in Edinburgh (Belmont)
2) Cambelt, tensioner roller kit and water pump, total cost £422 (includes a 10% discount as I'm a regular customer and get the car serviced there)

If you are at 60K miles, I think you'd be wise to change the belt pretty soon if you can. A bit hard on the pocket, but cheaper than a new V6.

[gtr1000]

In response to the queries above;

1) Yes - job done at Vx main dealer in Edinburgh (Belmont)
2) Cambelt, tensioner roller kit and water pump, total cost £422 (includes a 10% discount as I'm a regular customer and get the car serviced there)

If you are at 60K miles, I think you'd be wise to change the belt pretty soon if you can. A bit hard on the pocket, but cheaper than a new V6.

Yo mate, did the techy comment on the condition of the old belt and pulley/tensioner? Did it look suspect at the mileage (less than 60k)?

Reason for asking is that I'm approaching 60k on my GSi and botoom is starting to twitch

[D18]

GTR1000,

A sensible and pretty obvious question which I really should have asked - unfortunately, I didn't so I'm afraid I can't help you.

I get the overall impression that 60K miles is towards the upper end of the 'acceptable' life for these belts so it's probably worth avoiding those trips to the red part of the tacho until you have yours done.

[BIG NEIL]

mine at 53k i am going to get mine done in the summer

[Bucko]

When I got mine done at 42k the mechanic showed me the water pump. He said that there is a small plug that is supposed to melt if the pressure starts to get too high and this was starting to seep.