Technical Ducato Cambelt Question

[Towat]

Hello everybody, I have a 1998 Ducato motorhome with the 2.5td engine, I want to get the cambelt changed as I have no history, the mileage is only 35k but obviously age is an issue. My question is, does this engine need a water pump change at the same time, I won't be doing the work myself but I want to give my garage a heads up if necessary.

Thanks

 

[bugsymike]

Hello everybody, I have a 1998 Ducato motorhome with the 2.5td engine, I want to get the cambelt changed as I have no history, the mileage is only 35k but obviously age is an issue. My question is, does this engine need a water pump change at the same time, I won't be doing the work myself but I want to give my garage a heads up if necessary.

Thanks

I would say given the age that it would be sound advice to replace the waterpump at the same time as both the alternator belt and cambelt with all tensioner pulleys etc. Whilst they are in there. From memory the cambelt tensioner spring and plunger are in the bottom of the waterpump housing so need to be clean and free to move to correctly tension the cam belt side.
Also given the damage that can occur if any of this fails I would go for quality parts rather than lesser known brands if possible. Along of course the correct strength of new antifreeze.

 

[airwave]

Hello everybody, I have a 1998 Ducato motorhome with the 2.5td engine, I want to get the cambelt changed as I have no history, the mileage is only 35k but obviously age is an issue. My question is, does this engine need a water pump change at the same time, I won't be doing the work myself but I want to give my garage a heads up if necessary.

Thanks

I totally agree with @bugsymike comments . I replaced my own water pump , during a timing belt change last year on a 2.8 . My vehicle is 23 years old , with only a little more miles than yours . I have to admit this lead to a complete cooling system rebuild , but i'm not suggesting anything of the kind in this case .
Now , in pure basic form the 2.8 uses the same lower castings as the 2.5 , so i can confirm , the timing belt tensioner is fitted to the lower pump casting , which is also doubles as the right hand engine mount . As i would also advise replacing the tensioner at the same time , it adds very little to the actual job . Purchase a complete kit , and you should get both idler wheels , plus a new tensioner in the kit . I actually went a step further , by replacing the anti vibration plate , and dowel , as these were showing a reluctance to move , plus both the mounting and idler wheel bolts at the same time . I would further suggest replacing the four bolts that hold the pump in place on replacing . Mine where very reluctant to come out , and would have been put at huge risk of being over-stressed during re-torquing . It's just a personal preference , to prevent any further issues appearing should this pump require removal again , at any point .
Additional parts and bolts , can be sourced from Coastal motorhomes , in Hampshire , i think Ringwood .

One further note i would make is the antifreeze . Draining the system via the radiator plug , only half the coolant is released . There is a feed to the oilcooler direct from the themostat housing , but as this is level with the radiator top , this will not drain down . I have seen reference to a drain plug , but as yet not found such , so i just loosen a hose under the starter motor .