General Timing belt and tensioner change

[m4mike]

Evening people.
I have just bought a 2.0 petrol 1995 Ducato with a swift motor caravan conversion.
It has done 5000 miles, and the cam belt was changed 6 years ago, I know this has to be done asap, but what about the metal parts i.e. tensioners etc., do I need to change them as well, or do they not need changing yet?
Thanks
Mike

 

[DucatoMiltonKeynes]

It's likely that the tensioner spring has gone weak and it's bearings may have dried out, so do it properly and change everything. I don't know if the timing belt drives the water pump on your engine, but if it does, change that too.

 

[m4mike]

Blimey, change the water pump as well? sounds like this is going to be a very costly job, timing belt, tensioners and water pump, poor old vehicle has only done just under 50000

 

[DucatoMiltonKeynes]

Check first that the timing belt does drive the water pump before you get all despondent!
I wish all engines still used timing chains, too.
It's much, much cheaper to replace the belt and any other bits than have the belt fail and destroy your engine. If your belt does drive the water pump and the pump seizes, it'll strip the teeth straight off the belt or just immediately snap it. If the tensioner falls apart, the belt will fly off the pulleys and your valves then say hello to the pistons.