astra 16i 8v

They should all be changed at 40k now (according to my local vauxhall dealer). Vauxhall realised that 80k was optimistic after a number of breakages.

James.

James, I realise just how bad it is being skint, I have two kids..... A broken belt should not cost much to repair though, as if I am correct, this is a non-interference engine, so a broken belt should not cause any damage. - (Please do not take my word for this, check professionally, I'm sure others will give input.)

Doing the belt yourself is easy on the 8v any way, should cost no more than £5 for the belt and about 30mins time if you have done one before (else a day) :)

Andy

Doesn't this one need the engine mounting removed?

The message from "R. Murphy" contains these words:

The Montego diesel's like that - it's nothing to be scared of. Just chock the sump with a lump of wood and get on with it.

Removing the engine mount is nothing of a job, just support the engine on a jack or something (using a plank of wood to spread the load).

Andy

If this is the Z16SE engine then it is an interference design.

Ta, G.

Thus spake Hopey unto the assembled multitudes:

It's so close to the 40K mark, and you don't know how the car has been driven by the previous owner, that if I were you I'd have the belt changed

*now* for peace of mind. I'd also change oil and filter.

Thanks all for help took advice and took it in to vauxhall dealer for full

40k service and timing belt change but he says it doesent need cam belt change till 60k or 6 year he wants £160 for full service or £360 including cam belt kit and cooling pump. But kept saying it dident really need belt change is this about right or would i be better off shopping around independents.

Sounds about right, they have fixed price servicing. Make sure they change any rollers that may also need doing though.

You can also stay and watch them do the work, I am rather paranoid, but the last time I had a car serviced at Vauxhall I watched them, but I have to say overall I have been fairly impressed with Vauxhall.

Our local Vauxhall dealer is known for topping cars oil up to the minimum mark after oil and filter changes, after all, that's what they can get away with.

My father had his Volvo T5 serviced at a 'good' independent Volvo specialist in Chorley (Lancashire) and I am so paranoid I lifted the bonnet to check what they had done, I found a black air filter, the original fuel filter, dirty cabin filter and a large screwdriver about to fall into the alternator belt!!! and a plastic cover hanging off the alternator and it was low on oil - but lots of silicon spray everywhere to make it look like they had done lots of work... - I won't be using them, that's for sure.... I have no doubt that had the screwdriver slid into the belt it would have killed something big and expensive.

I personally would get you belt done now, as previous people have said, you don't know the cars history, and lets face it, you can never really change the oil too often.. But if you are short of readies, I don't think it is going to be a massive risk to wait until 50 or 60k miles, just don't sue me if it does brake. :)

Andy

Cheers Andy