After 12 years maybe it's time to change the timing belt ???

Having problems with low end power (http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f48/possible-clutch-problem-need-your-advice-pls-196549-2.html) which got me thinking about timing belts.

I've had the 90 for over 12 years now and never changed the timing belt - never even thought about it. To be fair I've done less than 6000 miles in the last 12 years as she was a 3rd car for going round the farm etc. But now with this lift pump/lack of low end power issue I'm wondering whether the timing belt is not turning the camshaft which in turn is not "releasing" the actuator arm???? Everything else works fine with no other loss of power.

Either way I think it a good idea to change the timing belt as Haynes says every 5 years I guess due to the rubber perishing. Is this "kit" any good/the right one >>>

Land Rover Defender 200 Tdi Timing Belt Kit with Tensioner, Gasket and Seal | eBay

Any thoughts (other than .... "for gods sake don't drive it"...lol) ???? Can an old/worn timing belt cause loss of low end power?

I can't see why it being worn could cause a loss of power.

It can cause no power and a screwed engine when it snaps. If the tensioner has gone and the belt is slack or slipped the timing would be out, and that would lose you some power.

Steve_R1979 said:

I can't see why it being worn could cause a loss of power.

It can cause no power and a screwed engine when it snaps. If the tensioner has gone and the belt is slack or slipped the timing would be out, and that would lose you some power.

Click to expand...

Thanks Steve - in the research I've done on lack of power at the bottom end the list says:
- Stack pipe
- Lift Pump
- Injectors
- Timing

With the timing belt, tensioners, etc. not being checked/changed/looked at for over 12 years it does seem possible that as you say the tenisoner has gone and or the belt has slipped - one way to find out I guess