Cambelt change (engine in)

[Sprint88qv]

Hi everyone,

I’m about to do a cambelt change on my 1.7 Sprint with the engine in-situ. I’ve previously done it when I’ve had the engine out, so this situation is a new one for me.

Any tips on how best to approach it? i,e do I need to remove the front grill and radiator for better access, or remove the front engine mount and tilt the engine back or forwards to make it easier?

Any tips would be gratefully received!

Cheers all.

Ed

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Ed. Im assuming you’re dealing with a mech tappet 8v. It’s obviously a little tighter down there but it’s certainly possible to do with the engine in situ. It does help to remove the rad fan, alternator and bottom hose (mainly hyd tappet engines ) Apart from that just remove the cam belt covers and time the engine up as per usual. I’m assuming your familiar with the timing marks etc. but If you need any other info just shout

[Sprint88qv]

Thanks Louise, really appreciated. Good point, it’s the hydraulic tappet version of the engine, so sounds like the rad, fan, alternator and hoses to come off. I changed the water pump some 15 years ago, so probably better change that at the same time.

[LooLooSud33Spider]

Hi Ed. Changing the water pump whiskt your at it is a good idea. This can also be done with the engine in the car but obviously if it’s a crusty one you may want to remove the Rad to help with access.

[alfadave]

I normally remove the rad with hoses attatched to it.
Much better access

[Sprint88qv]

Thanks Dave

[alfadave]

.......but before you attempt to remove the waterpump......

how many miles has it done, and any play in the bearings?

They can be hard to remove!

[Sprint88qv]

Only 7K miles since water pump changed (but 15 years ago) and only 3K miles since I last changed the cambelts (but 9 years ago). However, I need to change the leaking cambelt seals (gradually getting worse), so I thought as I’ve got to take that all off, I’d change the belts at the same time. I get your point on the water pump - I’ll check for any play or grinding in the bearings before I attempt to replace it. I remember it was a nightmare last time.

[alfadave]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!

[Sprint88qv]