Thread: Timing belt life

Originally Posted by Woolly

Our Disco 300tdi is now on club plates and is not used very much these days. The last timing belt change was approximately 50000 km ago, well within the 80k suggested life, but that was ten years ago. I am wondering if age as well as wear is an essential reason to change it, and if so, am I pushing my luck? Considered opinions or experiences would be appreciated.
Thank,
Woolly.

I think most belts specify age and km, whichever comes first. I'm thinking around 7 years.

Considering how easy a 300tdi is to do (at least on a defender) I'd be doing it.

So what is the life in years?
Say 10 years , is that the shelf life too?
So it can be on the shelf or in the car for 10 years even unused and its up for replacement.

Originally Posted by 123rover50

So what is the life in years?
Say 10 years , is that the shelf life too?
So it can be on the shelf or in the car for 10 years even unused and its up for replacement.

In the car it's getting hot when the engine is running, it's under tension and is a bit more stressed than just sitting idle in a box.
I thought I remembered 7 years as the life, mine was at 9 years before I replaced it ? That reminds me.....when was it last changed ? I must check.

A lot of the time it's the manufacturer erring on the side of caution.


Colin

the average servicing for a tdi300 is 10K Km or yearly.

the belt is suppoesed to last 80K Km

Change the belt every 8th service or every 8 years.

Just to add to the good advice, imo even if the car isn't being used often it's good practice to run it regularly. I know you have a log book to deal with, but if it were me I would risk a run around the block once a month to keep everything that needs oil oily, and to prevent things like belts from forming a "memory". If you have a 90 day book then use the thing to go shopping occasionally. After you change the T belt.

Thanks for all the sound advice and comments; I will tee up a change in the near future, probably by an indie as I don’t have all the appropriate tools and am getting a bit older and less flexible. I often find an excuse to drive it, as I enjoy not being beeped at for imaginary errors like our “ sensible“ car does, and I still think D1s are just about the perfect compromise between ability, comfort and economy.
Cheers,
Woolly.

Originally Posted by Woolly

Thanks for all the sound advice and comments; I will tee up a change in the near future, probably by an indie as I don’t have all the appropriate tools and am getting a bit older and less flexible. I often find an excuse to drive it, as I enjoy not being beeped at for imaginary errors like our “ sensible“ car does, and I still think D1s are just about the perfect compromise between ability, comfort and economy.
Cheers,
Woolly.

look me up in the new years.

Im doing a run up to QLD for xmas with the kids before taking one over to perth, if you want I can get you the kit from MR auto while Im up there and we can line up a change in the late part of january. I can also cast eyes and see what else needs doing.

As its a disco I usually reccomend doing the P gasket at the same time along with the water pump gasket and the 3 bolts that hold in the p gasket.

Thanks Dave, pm sent.
Cheers,
Woolly.