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[Diamond Black Geezer]

I'd say there'd be 'no point'... that's no point in inverted commas, as in theory, this shouldn't happen within the 40k/4 years service interval for the belt/kit. Logically, if anyone cares enough about their car to fabricate a guard to prevent such a failure, they probably care enough to actually change the belt/pulleys when they're due. If you do this, then (in theory) no such failure will ever occur. There have of course been cases of failures before the 40k limit (not sure if same can be said for <4 years, too, though?)  A guard is a fair idea, though.

[Marks DTM Calib]

anybody made a guard to prevent this happening?

Pretty much impossible as the cam cover already gets pretty close to the pulley

[robson]

Is there a specified time to change an auxillary belt  or should  it always be done with a cam belt change.

[Nick W]

Is there a specified time to change an auxiliary belt  or should  it always be done with a cam belt change.

Not really, as it's easily examined for damage/wear, and losing it rarely causes further problems. Plus most serpentine belts problems are caused by the tensioner bearings failing, rather than the belt.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

£27 ish main dealer, and a bit cheaper if you shop around for equally good quality. Plenty of choices. As said, easy enough to check, and easy to pop off and flex to examine for signs of cracking.

Small 'beware' tip - mine was getting changed as a matter of course anyway, given its age, but I examined the old one as you do and there was some very small cracking / crazing on close inspection, plus one single very fine, but clearly split right along its width, going about half way through  . So I'd advise anyone to have good look along the entire length of the aux belt, as mind looked 'fine' apart from one very thin, easily missed split which could have been a bit catastrophic, had it failed. 

[robson]

I had a look in that area today and it is difficult to see how any bits of the auxilary belt can get to the cam belt unless the cover was penetrated.

[horsecow]

Okay guys bit if an update. Just had a good look at the motor. Interior is spotless. Exterior is in v.g.c 95% rust free and you have to look very hard to find the few spots. Engine wise the fan belt is shredded and there is a small scrape on the top drivers side of the timing belt cover. Doesn't look very deep but it has gone through the cover. Is it possible it may have just jumped the timing and if so what is the likely damage?? Engine bay and engine itself looks in v.g.c also so I went ahead and bought it. Haven't got it home yet bug can't wait to get it in the shed and start stripping!

[robson]

sounds good .A nice project for the winter

[henryd]

Okay guys bit if an update. Just had a good look at the motor. Interior is spotless. Exterior is in v.g.c 95% rust free and you have to look very hard to find the few spots. Engine wise the fan belt is shredded and there is a small scrape on the top drivers side of the timing belt cover. Doesn't look very deep but it has gone through the cover. Is it possible it may have just jumped the timing and if so what is the likely damage?? Engine bay and engine itself looks in v.g.c also so I went ahead and bought it. Haven't got it home yet bug can't wait to get it in the shed and start stripping!

There is a chance that the timing has slipped enough to stop it running but not enough to get piston valve contact,worth a careful check before you start ripping heads of.

[horsecow]

That's what I'm hoping HenryD. Will get a decent look once I get it home but I won't get time to collect it until the 12th. At £350 though I think it's a steal. I am aware of the saying "if it seems too good to be true it generally is". Fingers crossed anyway!!!!

[tidla]

Aux belt changed at correct intervals should eliminate the problem.

[horsecow]

Got the motor home before Xmas but with work and moving house have not yet had a chance to operate on it ye. Went down this evening to the pedal trick and all I'm getting is continuous flashing light. This means no fault codes but am I right in thinking this is a good sign as to the condition of the engine?? Surely if the timing is off or any damage from the broken aux belt there would be a fault code coming up?

[powerslinky]

Got the motor home before Xmas but with work and moving house have not yet had a chance to operate on it ye. Went down this evening to the pedal trick and all I'm getting is continuous flashing light. This means no fault codes but am I right in thinking this is a good sign as to the condition of the engine?? Surely if the timing is off or any damage from the broken aux belt there would be a fault code coming up?

Is that not an imobiliser issue ?  . . . has key been messed with, taken apart or dropped ?

[horsecow]

Got the motor home before Xmas but with work and moving house have not yet had a chance to operate on it ye. Went down this evening to the pedal trick and all I'm getting is continuous flashing light. This means no fault codes but am I right in thinking this is a good sign as to the condition of the engine?? Surely if the timing is off or any damage from the broken aux belt there would be a fault code coming up?

Is that not an imobiliser issue ?  . . . has key been messed with, taken apart or dropped ?

Just checked the maintenance  guide again and it says constant flashing indicates no fault codes

[TheBoy]

Surely if the timing is off or any damage from the broken aux belt there would be a fault code coming up?

Nope, not necessarily.