Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Ralph on 30 March 2015, 09:41:34

Title: Cam Belt
Post by: Ralph on 30 March 2015, 09:41:34
What would be considered to be a reasonable charge for cam belt replacement, local VX dealer has quoted me £353.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 11:01:41
Provided they fit a complete, genuine kit, that's a very fair price imho :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: joff on 30 March 2015, 11:10:30
What would be considered to be a reasonable charge for cam belt replacement, local VX dealer has quoted me £353.

Cam belt from the dealers on trade club is £116 inc VAT for a V6 and I bet (£353) does not include a water pump. So that's £237 labour with vat, Wow. Why don't you ask one of the lads on here and you could knock over £100 off that which would pay for a water pump as well. :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 11:14:52
Fair point well made, but not a bad quote... Don't know what the book time is, but three hours doesn't sound unreasonable :-\
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: joff on 30 March 2015, 11:18:50
Fair point well made, but not a bad quote... Don't know what the book time is, but three hours doesn't sound unreasonable :-\

This is true Al, it takes me about that with a coffee and a look at the DVD, I just don't like paying the dealers to do anything if I can help it.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 30 March 2015, 11:19:40
I'd happily assist, but you're 311 miles away from me, so not really feasible :(

You could dry Darth or Pete, I think they are a little further north

As far as dealers go though, that quote is fine! :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 30 March 2015, 11:21:03
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

If we ignore the removal of the intake gubbins etc.. which can take a bit of time/faffing, as there's always one more little nut to remove which you can't quite see/find, then you're basically just replacing a belt, but making sure none of the cogs move, in essence. I was petrified, but it turns out to be easy - but time consuming, hence the prices. :)
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 30 March 2015, 11:21:31
Don't know what the official time is, but working leisurely, about 2 hours, as the 2.6 plenum is easy to remove, no Egr, no Sai, etc :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: joff on 30 March 2015, 11:22:43
Don't know what the official time is, but working leisurely, about 2 hours, as the 2.6 plenum is easy to remove, no Egr, no Sai, etc :y

Yes James but you have done lots, and I need a coffee now and then :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 30 March 2015, 11:26:14
 8)
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

The reality is, I just don't have time to do a 600 mile round trip anymore these days with shift work and a mrs.

To the OP - if you fancy a long drive, I'll do it free of charge. With your fuel and Cambelt kit it'll set you back about £200 at a guess. But even then £150 isn't a great saving for a day hacking down the motorway :(

Although if you're interested in watching the job being done... :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 30 March 2015, 11:27:54
Don't know what the official time is, but working leisurely, about 2 hours, as the 2.6 plenum is easy to remove, no Egr, no Sai, etc :y

Yes James but you have done lots, and I need a coffee now and then :y

Me too... Even though you folks keep telling me I'm still young... I can't do things as quick as I did ten years ago :p
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Nick W on 30 March 2015, 11:28:23
What would be considered to be a reasonable charge for cam belt replacement, local VX dealer has quoted me £353.

Cam belt from the dealers on trade club is £116 inc VAT for a V6 and I bet (£353) does not include a water pump. So that's £237 labour with vat, Wow. Why don't you ask one of the lads on here and you could knock over £100 off that which would pay for a water pump as well. :y

Your figures are off, because the belt kit would be charged at retail price. Which is what any business would do; retail price less whatever discount is your profit on the parts. OOFers doing jobs as a sideline don't make a 'fair' comparison with a proper business cost. I know that doesn't change the total price, but it does make the labour charge more reasonable.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 30 March 2015, 11:34:26
8)
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

The reality is, I just don't have time to do a 600 mile round trip anymore these days with shift work and a mrs.

To the OP - if you fancy a long drive, I'll do it free of charge. With your fuel and Cambelt kit it'll set you back about £200 at a guess. But even then £150 isn't a great saving for a day hacking down the motorway :(

Although if you're interested in watching the job being done... :y

This was my thought - it'd only be worth it if you were in the area, certainly wouldn't want to cause you grief with the time involved etc of a 600 mile round trip.

Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 30 March 2015, 11:36:43
Fair point well made, but not a bad quote... Don't know what the book time is, but three hours doesn't sound unreasonable :-\

Agreed. £600 is not unusual from a main Vauxhall dealer.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 30 March 2015, 11:40:43
Here at OOF it used to be written in tablets of stone that you should ALWAYS change the water pump when you change the cambelt.

I don't hear this so much these days. Why?
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 March 2015, 11:45:29
Here at OOF it used to be written in tablets of stone that you should ALWAYS change the water pump when you change the cambelt.

I don't hear this so much these days. Why?

Because it's only really true on a 4 pot.

and

Because V6 water pumps are stupid money genuine and poor quality if factor parts these days, so it makes more sense to leave it until it dies.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 30 March 2015, 11:45:52
Here at OOF it used to be written in tablets of stone that you should ALWAYS change the water pump when you change the cambelt.

I don't hear this so much these days. Why?

New GM pumps used to be so dirt cheap it was madness not to change it whilst accessible.

Now, gm pumps are v expensive. Shot up in cost. This, combined with the higher failure rates of pattern parts, means it's usually best to leave the pump alone if it's genuine and in good order :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: YZ250 on 30 March 2015, 11:54:08
Fair point well made, but not a bad quote... Don't know what the book time is, but three hours doesn't sound unreasonable :-\

Book time is three hours, so agreed not a bad quote at all.  :y I've recently done mine myself and the genuine belt/tensioner kit from Vauxhall dealer is the wrong side of £140 including vat, even with my TC card. The water pump was £78 on TC.

I used ContiTech kit but had the parts priced up to compare. :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 March 2015, 11:58:36
Book time is 2.2 hours actually.  :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: chrisgixer on 30 March 2015, 12:03:40
I was going to say 3 hours, but I like a cuppa. ;D

I think that's a very good price given its from a dealer. BUT...


...one of the guys on here would clearly save you money. Unfortunately 2woody from your area hasn't been on for a good while.


Water pump could be a fly in the ointment though, as the dealer might suggest it needs replacing, and they ain't cheap from vx. Really needs checking to see if the bearing is good before hand.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 12:34:27
Alot of tea drinkers here... ;D
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: joff on 30 March 2015, 18:20:34
Alot of tea drinkers here... ;D

And on a good day or cam party, Bacon rolls too :y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 20:04:13
Alot of tea drinkers here... ;D

And on a good day or cam party, Bacon rolls too :y
I would vote for that manifesto :D
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: TheBoy on 30 March 2015, 20:13:50
I was gonna say its about time we had another cambelt do, and I may even have a location (no good to the OP though). But is there the demand any more?
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 20:27:15
Arguably a worthwhile enterprise, as much for the social aspect as for the mechanical...

Is there any immediate accommodation for the place you have in mind? Possibly as a non camping weekend meet :-\
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Nick W on 30 March 2015, 20:33:52
I was gonna say its about time we had another cambelt do, and I may even have a location (no good to the OP though). But is there the demand any more?


Mine's due soon, so I'd be happy to chip in.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: chrisgixer on 30 March 2015, 22:17:56
Did mine at Newent last year, so probably another 25k to go I would think.

...but any excuse for a cuppa and a bacon roll. ;D
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Nick W on 30 March 2015, 22:37:34
Did mine at Newent last year, so probably another 25k to go I would think.

...but any excuse for a cuppa and a bacon roll. ;D


Mine's 4 years old, but is about 8k miles short so it's hardly critical - a job for the summer.


Does the morning cuppa and bacon roll swap to beer and pizza as the afternoon progresses? That would make for a properly civilised day.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 30 March 2015, 22:41:04
Rounded off with a curry for tea :D
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: tigers_gonads on 30 March 2015, 22:43:00
I was gonna say its about time we had another cambelt do, and I may even have a location (no good to the OP though). But is there the demand any more?


On the list after I get this thing going around corners properly
Well inside the mileage but definitely past the 4 year mark 
When are you thinking TB ?
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Steve B on 30 March 2015, 22:50:28
Me too ... Can i come along...Dont want no belt doing.. Its been on and off 6 times in the last month  ;D ;D ;D but happy to supply the bacon for All  :D :D
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: chrisgixer on 31 March 2015, 01:24:41
;D ;D ;D

:y
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Ralph on 31 March 2015, 11:07:35
8)
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

The reality is, I just don't have time to do a 600 mile round trip anymore these days with shift work and a mrs.

To the OP - if you fancy a long drive, I'll do it free of charge. With your fuel and Cambelt kit it'll set you back about £200 at a guess. But even then £150 isn't a great saving for a day hacking down the motorway :(

Although if you're interested in watching the job being done... :y
Thanks James that's a really generous offer but the 600 mile round trip kills it for me, I'll probably go with the dealers offer.
They did the last cambelt change for me & charged over £500 so it does seem a bit of a bargain.
I had them replace the Water pump as well last time but unless it's faulty I may just leave that, it's only done about 30k since then.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Steve B on 31 March 2015, 11:22:53
8)
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

The reality is, I just don't have time to do a 600 mile round trip anymore these days with shift work and a mrs.

To the OP - if you fancy a long drive, I'll do it free of charge. With your fuel and Cambelt kit it'll set you back about £200 at a guess. But even then £150 isn't a great saving for a day hacking down the motorway :(

Although if you're interested in watching the job being done... :y
Thanks James that's a really generous offer but the 600 mile round trip kills it for me, I'll probably go with the dealers offer.
They did the last cambelt change for me & charged over £500 so it does seem a bit of a bargain.
I had them replace the Water pump as well last time but unless it's faulty I may just leave that, it's only done about 30k since then.
How long ago was that  :-\
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Ralph on 31 March 2015, 11:56:55
8)
Bah!! Was just about to suggest JamesV6CDX, but he beat me to it!  :)

The reality is, I just don't have time to do a 600 mile round trip anymore these days with shift work and a mrs.

To the OP - if you fancy a long drive, I'll do it free of charge. With your fuel and Cambelt kit it'll set you back about £200 at a guess. But even then £150 isn't a great saving for a day hacking down the motorway :(

Although if you're interested in watching the job being done... :y
Thanks James that's a really generous offer but the 600 mile round trip kills it for me, I'll probably go with the dealers offer.
They did the last cambelt change for me & charged over £500 so it does seem a bit of a bargain.
I had them replace the Water pump as well last time but unless it's faulty I may just leave that, it's only done about 30k since then.
How long ago was that  :-\

That was about 4 1/2 years ago.
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 31 March 2015, 11:58:57
Ah, then you're overdue on the recommended 4 years timeframe, and not too far off the 40k mileage recommendation, so worry not, it needs doing ether way  :)

Mine had done only 20k-odd, but she'd been sat for 7 years, so well well in need  :)
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: TheBoy on 31 March 2015, 18:07:00
Arguably a worthwhile enterprise, as much for the social aspect as for the mechanical...

Is there any immediate accommodation for the place you have in mind? Possibly as a non camping weekend meet :-\
Premier Inn about 4m away, Travelodge about 10m. Nothing walkable I'm afraid (AFAIK).

Local curry house is, err, "different". Undecided if that's good or bad.

It's closer Lazydocker country, and despite reasonable undercover space, summer is best :)
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: 05omegav6 on 31 March 2015, 18:08:54
It has potential as a concept then... :y Any camping nearby?
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: TheBoy on 31 March 2015, 18:13:06
It has potential as a concept then... :y Any camping nearby?
Depends what facilities you want. If absolutely zero (for the pikeys), yes. A few yards away. For a "proper" campsite, no idea, will have to look.

I shall start a new thread, as I've hijacked this one  :-[
Title: Re: Cam Belt
Post by: driver115 on 03 April 2015, 14:21:23
Daz aka Darth Loo-Knee from this forum did an excellent job with mine last year circa Jan 2014 and included the water pump as well - I`m based in N Lincs so you are a fair way further up North, and the mileage charge becomes an extra consideration, but your quote seems reasonable.Previously , My first cambelt change was done by a local garage in 2008 but was ok and functional but not as precise and exacting as the job entails.If you can get one of this forums mobile mechanics to do it I`m of the opinion they`ll do an excellent job and well worth the price.I also found it useful to purchase the OOF dvd for reference purposes, and this dvd came in useful when I removed and refurbished the alternator last year which saved me a few bob, and prompted me to do more myself on my omegas