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[Bose Addict]

Does anybody know why Vauxhall changed the cambelt life from 40k/4 yrs to 80k/8yrs for the 2003 model year?  Did they improve the belt or tensioner or were they simply having us on before then?   :-?

[tunnie]

who told you it went from 40k to 80k?

Its other way around, it was dropped from 80k to 40k/4 years, due to too many tensioner failures. The belts don't really snap, its just the tensioners fail, and let the belt slip.

For all V6 and I4 engines its 4 years / 40k 

[VXL V6]

Actually it went from 36K (service intervals used to be every 9K) to 40K (10K service intervals) then to 80K (20K service intervals) then as you say back to 40K after various tensioner failure issues, however the 20K / 1yr service intervals stayed on.

Of course anyone who runs a car on 20K oil really doesn't wish to keep the car for more than the warranty period!

[Bose Addict]

who told you it went from 40k to 80k?

Its other way around, it was dropped from 80k to 40k/4 years, due to too many tensioner failures. The belts don't really snap, its just the tensioners fail, and let the belt slip.

For all V6 and I4 engines its 4 years / 40k 

A Vauxhall service manager gleefully told me years ago that it went back up to 80k after my own 2002 model.  Now I've recently seen it with my own eyes in the service handbook of a late 2003 V6.  It's real, but I wonder if they beefed anything up to risk that?   

[feeutfo]

who told you it went from 40k to 80k?

Its other way around, it was dropped from 80k to 40k/4 years, due to too many tensioner failures. The belts don't really snap, its just the tensioners fail, and let the belt slip.

For all V6 and I4 engines its 4 years / 40k 

A Vauxhall service manager gleefully told me years ago that it went back up to 80k after my own 2002 model.  Now I've recently seen it with my own eyes in the service handbook of a late 2003 V6.  It's real, but I wonder if they beefed anything up to risk that?   

service book was printed and delivered with the car, THEN the srevice interval was changed, so even though the book says 80k, the new service schedule superceeds this info, the book is out if date.

No parts where changed, and your service manager was either talking before a service schedule change or out of his wrong end, the later probably.

So be of no doubt, the service schedule is 40k or 4 years,

The End.

[Bose Addict]

Fair point, but my 2002 book states 40k alright and VX website (text below) suggests it went up.  Perhaps there was a service bulletin in 2003 bringing it down again as you say.  Odd. 
'Vauxhall recommends for multi-valve engines up to and including 2002 models, a cambelt change interval of 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. For all other engines and diesels, then please refer to your service book or consult your local MasterFit retailer.'

[MutantCav]

Put it this way mate...if your tensioner failed at 78k you would certainly be beating yourself up that you didnt stick to the 40k as you sat there with your scrap engined car! 40k is a good safe interval to change it and not to be messed with...leave it longer at your risk and quite often at your peril...

[feeutfo]

Fair point, but my 2002 book states 40k alright and VX website (text below) suggests it went up.  Perhaps there was a service bulletin in 2003 bringing it down again as you say.  Odd. 
'Vauxhall recommends for multi-valve engines up to and including 2002 models, a cambelt change interval of 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. For all other engines and diesels, then please refer to your service book or consult your local MasterFit retailer.'

sorry, so whats the question? this confirms 40k 4years does it not?

[dbug]

Fair point, but my 2002 book states 40k alright and VX website (text below) suggests it went up.  Perhaps there was a service bulletin in 2003 bringing it down again as you say.  Odd. 
'Vauxhall recommends for multi-valve engines up to and including 2002 models, a cambelt change interval of 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. For all other engines and diesels, then please refer to your service book or consult your local MasterFit retailer.'

sorry, so whats the question? this confirms 40k 4years does it not?

Think the OPs got a 2003 model mate and his service book says 80K.

Agree should be 40K or 4 years ALL V6 models. 

OP - ignore at your peril 

[tidla]

changed mine at 80k (dealer at 40k)

out of interest, does anyone know the difference or have pictures of an original tensioner set up compared with an aftermarket ie "gates" kit  :-?

[dbug]

changed mine at 80k (dealer at 40k)

out of interest, does anyone know the difference or have pictures of an original tensioner set up compared with an aftermarket ie "gates" kit  :-?

Gates is an OEM supplier along with Contitech.

[tidla]

yes i know, designs must have changed tho as they often do.

[feeutfo]

changed mine at 80k (dealer at 40k)

out of interest, does anyone know the difference or have pictures of an original tensioner set up compared with an aftermarket ie "gates" kit  :-?

Gates is an OEM supplier along with Contitech.

as are skf, cam belt tensioner back plate on mine, and another 3.2 i did last week, has skf stamped on it, and it came out of a gm box.

[dbug]

changed mine at 80k (dealer at 40k)

out of interest, does anyone know the difference or have pictures of an original tensioner set up compared with an aftermarket ie "gates" kit  :-?

Gates is an OEM supplier along with Contitech.

as are skf, cam belt tensioner back plate on mine, and another 3.2 i did last week, has skf stamped on it, and it came out of a gm box.

The bearings in the Contitech kits I used were stamped skf.

[jb]

Regardless of which kit you buy the tensioners and rolllers are always skf.
Re. change intervals the revised tensioners and rollers from mini facelift onwards are certainly an improvement on original design from 1993.However I have seen cars with as much as 93k and 8 years old (ex met police)on the original be perfectly ok to having one with 66k seize and break belt.
Its also probably considering the number of hours running v actual mileage.