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[dbug]

Just fitted new cambelt kit to the 2.6 Omega Estate today.  Nearly 45K since last one fitted - thankfully it didn't break at 40,001 miles after last one fitted.  Belt removed looked like new, no signs of any cracking etc.  Also idlers and adjuster still looked good being free running with no sign of grease seepage.
Used a new Gates kit (£35 off ebay - link was posted on OOF and got in quick) - this was kit for older 2.5/3.0 lits with the two adjustable idlers.
Old kit fitted by Vx main dealer as part of the deal when I bought the car - timimg was still spot on! - as checked with locking kit.
Backing plate on "new" kit was EB - and different from one taken off (6B I think), so new idler and adjuster swapped onto original backing plate using original spacer.  Original spacer fitted to other idler.  Belt fitted ok (belt markings were way out so ignored).
All set up ok, and tensioned ok, and lined up ok.  Rotated 2 turns and timing spot on, retensioned as manual, rotated and timing checked spot on again.
Rebuilt and started first time, all quiet.  Total time incl coffee and pee breaks, and finding locking kit in garage - just short of 3.5 hours.
Next job fit new cat back exhaust - £72 ex Poland

[YZ250]

Yep, similar here. I've just fitted a new cam belt and tensioner/idlers to my 3.2 and I checked it prior to removal and it was still spot on (last one fitted by my local Vauxhall Franchise dealer). As I do very low miles in this car, the belt had done 30K but was a whopping seven years old next month.    It was all in very good condition, no grease seepage from idlers, no cracks at all on the belt, so I was actually quite disappointed as I wanted to improve on something but I couldn't. The new one that I fitted was checked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked and rechecked again and was spot on. Just hope the one I've fitted serves as well (ContiTech/SKF). 

[dbug]

Yep, similar here. I've just fitted a new cam belt and tensioner/idlers to my 3.2 and I checked it prior to removal and it was still spot on (last one fitted by my local Vauxhall Franchise dealer). As I do very low miles in this car, the belt had done 30K but was a whopping seven years old next month.    It was all in very good condition, no grease seepage from idlers, no cracks at all on the belt, so I was actually quite disappointed as I wanted to improve on something but I couldn't. The new one that I fitted was checked, rechecked, rechecked, rechecked and rechecked again and was spot on. Just hope the one I've fitted serves as well (ContiTech/SKF). 

I've always used Conti kits - never had an issue with them - first time I've used a Gates but @ £35 couldn't refuse it

[JamesV6CDX]

So what myths have you dispelled?

[dbug]

So what myths have you dispelled?

1) Engine doesn't self destruct @ 40,001 miles after last cambelt change
2) Vx got the timing right on previous belt kit change
3) Any model V6 cambelt kit will work on 2.6/3.2 dbw engines

[JamesV6CDX]

Number 3 we always knew. (As long as backplate is retained)

You're on dangerous territory with no1. The chances of it failing one mile after 40k are slim to none.

But that doesn't negate the fact that, after 40k, you're on very borrowed time.....

The advice that 40k is the maximum therefore still stands

[dbug]

Number 3 we always knew. (As long as backplate is retained)

You're on dangerous territory with no1. The chances of it failing one mile after 40k are slim to none.

But that doesn't negate the fact that, after 40k, you're on very borrowed time.....

The advice that 40k is the maximum therefore still stands

No 3 - (on mine backplate was retained) - but in the past people have argued with me re this on the forum
No 1 - Agreed, although by inference some previous posts on here say otherwise....  Agree @ 40K/4 years change for peace of mind - mine was 5K "overdue" due to other commitments.

[05omegav6]

Mine has been changed three times... 76k (3.5 years old), 157k (5.5 years old) and 245k (9 years old) genuine kit used each time...

Next due in 2017

[JamesV6CDX]

Mine has been changed three times... 76k (3.5 years old), 157k (5.5 years old) and 245k (9 years old) genuine kit used each time...

Next due in 2017

Bloody taxi drivers

Kidding mate, impressive

[05omegav6]

I figured that if 80k was good enough for TVP, then given the mileage it was covering, every 2-3 years wasn't unreasonable...

Be surprised if it hits 275k before it's next due, although given the projected job list on the black one, the white one might become the run around for a while

[Marks DTM Calib]

Pretty sure that item 3) has been communicated many times before 

[chrisgixer]

Pretty sure that item 3) has been communicated many times before 

It has indeed. Loads. as have the others

And that the bottom idler is swappable as well, et etc