Thread: Timing belt alternative

Welcome to AULRO. Zeus gears are whatyou are describing I think, but I believe they have their own set of problems anyway, but i'm sure others can point you in the right direction

The infamous Z gears.

Mine performed exactly as advertised.

Local distributor

http://www.yican.com.au/tbd.html

Examples of Problems

http://www.rovingtheglobe.com/'sec=k...imingGears.asp

REgards
Max P

Welcome to the forum.

I think the commonly held wisdom is to not bother about it.

Early 300Tdi had a problem. There is a kit to upgrade. If you're looking at a 99 300Tdi it almost certainly has the newer timing belt stuff. Replace every 60,000km to 100,000km and spend your mad money on something more fun.

If you don't have a record of when timing belt was last changed on buying the car, probably a good idea to get it seen to straight up to avoid worry.

The gear thing was called zeus. Have a look here:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...highlight=zeus
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...highlight=zeus
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...highlight=zeus
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...highlight=zeus
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...highlight=zeus

Cheers
Simon

I couldn't find any reference to London Taxis using Land-Rover engines, though the Metrocab used a Ford Transit diesel engine but not (I'm guessing) the same one as goes in the new Defender... However I did find this info from Land Rover FAQ:

For those with the money,an English company has produced a set of gears,and replacement timing case,which will eliminate the effects of chain stretch for good.The company is Zeus Design Patents.The modification is available for all 2.25 engines,petrol and diesel,and 2.5 likewise.It is of even greater benefit to 2.5 users,because it replaces the troublesome timing belt used on these engines,failure of which can prove expensive,if not disastrous. Gear's are also available for 200,and 300Tdi engines.The kit is not cheap,over 200 pounds at time of writing (18/1/96).

They give a snail mail address for Zeus as well http://www.lrfaq.org/Series/FAQ.S.Diesel.html

Edit: Didn't see the other posts who've already covered this.

As you have already been able to read in the above posts, Zeus' reputation is far from being unspoilt. I considered myself to change to their gear once but was put off when I learned about the troubles some had.
Of course, and that's the trouble with the internet, you will read a lot about things going wrong, whereas the one's who are pleased and satisfied don't stir up that much attention. But to me the conversion certainly isn't worth the bother. Changing the cambelt at regular intervals and keeping on the safe side feels easier than living with a degree of uncertainty.

Originally Posted by DiscoDave

I couldn't find any reference to London Taxis using Land-Rover engines, though the Metrocab used a Ford Transit diesel engine but not (I'm guessing) the same one as goes in the new Defender... However I did find this info from Land Rover FAQ:

They give a snail mail address for Zeus as well http://www.lrfaq.org/Series/FAQ.S.Diesel.html

Edit: Didn't see the other posts who've already covered this.

The late 80's early 90's black cabs use nissan diesels .

Save your money & learn how to change a timing belt yourself...

With the correct tools, it's a doddle... Just remember to do it within the reccomended intervals.

HTH

M

NNNNOOOOOOO don't do it

Know far too many people who have their engines distrod by these gears
And They cost a fortune
Where as a snapped cambelt on a 200 Tdi will only damage your pushrods and maybe one or two tappits and cost you alot less.