406oc.co.uk

Hi,

Mine has not gone just some info for you all; apparently the HDi’s have a sort of fail safe if the cam belt snaps.

The rocker’s (I think that is what they are called) that connect the valves are designed to snap, if anything hit’s them (the cam belt failing) which means the valves don’t get bent, and the only thing that needs replacing are the rockers, found this info out whilst visiting a mechanic friend who was fixing this very problem, only took ½ a day to fix.

Andy

Yes that's true, but I believe you need to be doing low revs (<2000rpm).... Not sure though

I am sure it would work at all speeds, once the rocker (thing) snap's the valves spring out the way.

is it possible to fit the di cam-belt + safty features in to a 2.1td D8??
just because im going to be due to change mine in about 15000 miles (ok sounds alot) and aparently you have to change everything.. all the pullys and/or bearings etc.
which sounds like its going to be expensive as i was hoping you only had to buy the belt
so if im going to do the whole lot i mite as well do a decent job and add the hdi one instead... if compatible

god i drone on lol

cheers for anf info

The HDi camshaft has 'Cam Caps' fitted at each end, like a bearing cap, it is this cam cap that fractures when the piston pushes the valve up against the camshaft.

IF your lucky at low engine speed the cam shaft will be pushed up by the valve(s) on each stroke, but there could come a time on the cam lobe where there is not enoght play or room for the valve stem and it gets bent

Strangely though, in my experience, Cam Belts tend only to snap when you first start the engine up so in this case you would probably get away with it, they don't always snap whilst cruising along.

You won't be able to 'convert' a 2.1 head to a HDi one, for a start the 2.1 is a 12 valve unit so will be different, all you need is a Cam Belt 'kit' which includes the belt and auxillary tensioners/idler wheels it's not very often these days for just the belt to be changed because a worn tensioner can do just as much damage if it siezes.

Here's a piccy of a fractured Cam Cap

Weltie is correct - most cam belt failures occur on start up, or when increasing the revs from idel (such as to pull away).

It's not a cheap job on an HDi, but well worth the expense of doing it properly. Use a genuine belt and rollers, and check the state of the bottom pulley (due for replacement at cambelt time, but if its not noisy you might be ok).

Dependent on the year of manufacture, it's a 72 to 92k mile interval, so with such infrequent intervals it's not worth the heartache of trying to skimp - if in doubt, get it done and bask in reassurance for the next 5 years.