Technical 2004 2.8JTD timing belt query

[norwichphoto]

My motorhome is due its timing belt service. The local garage who MoT's it (they have a ramp that's big enough to take it) have refused to do the work saying it requires special tools which they do not have. They are a Peugeot approved dealership including commercials, and I would have throught they would have the tools to do the Peugeot equivalent.

Are special tools (over and above standard workshop tools) required - or are they fobbing me off because they don't want the work ?

 

[Communicator]

Hi, Welcome to the forum.
There is a DIY guide written by @FreeSpirit in the Downloads section. See black banner at the top of the page.

My 2.8jtd timing belt has been changed once by local garage, and subsequently twice by me using the above guide as basis.
When the garage did the first change, the bill was considerably below estimate with the reason given that they had not changed the tension rollers. Many months later while looking into the engine bay, I noticed a gaping crack towards the bottom of the timing cover. Investigation revealed that the cover had been broken, and repaired with something akin to super glue. The vehicle had not been in any other workshop............

The problem may be that you cannot get the timing cover out without lowering the engine, and removing the RHS engine mount. Fiat specify a special engine support beam to support the engine during the procedure. I suspect that this is the special tool referred to. Some forum members have used a jack under the sump to support the engine. I made my own beam from available scap bedstead angle which is high tensile steel, a couple of special bolts, and some scraps of thick plywood.

Even after buying a used 3/4" torque wrench, I was in profit by over £100, after my the first change performed by me.

Try a forum search for 2.8jtd cambelt change. There is at least one horror story relating to incorrect assembly by garage.

 

[norwichphoto]

Thanks. I think its a garage trying to get out of a job they don't want to do.

 

[Communicator]

Thanks. I think its a garage trying to get out of a job they don't want to do.

Yes, If they do not have an engine support beam, then it would be very difficult to do the job with vehicle on a lift. Then as with most DIY mechanics it would have to be a lying on the floor task. Perhaps they are easier tasks to undertake.

 

[FreeSpirit]

Hi When I did my 2.8JTD & wrote that guide, it was done on our driveway & there were no engine jacks involved or engine stands, just took the wheel off & then the inner cover off the wheel-well to gain access to the bottom timing cover & crank drive belts etc. Didn't disconnect the A/C hoses - left in place & the middle timing cover pushed aside. It needed two people to feed in & reinstall the new belt, Its tight but can be done! The only "special" tool was buying a 36mm socket for the crank bolt.
Cheers

 

[norwichphoto]

Thank you. I'll see if I can bribe one of the guys at work to look at it instead.

 

[wfdTamar]

For anyone else trying to find Freespirits guide - it's in the Guides section (not Downloads). Just filter the guides using '2.8' and you'll find it.

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks. I think its a garage trying to get out of a job they don't want to do.

Before retiring I had done many on that Sofim engine in Iveco Daily's and also the odd one or two on Ducato and Citroen derivatives without any special tools, apart from the rwd Daily being ,much easier to work on than the fwd versions, personally I would have sooner done several of those than some of the modern vehicle cambelt jobs.
If you get the urge to do it yourself I have the Auto Data Cam belt book with fitting instructions.