Timing Belt change 300TDI

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natas

natas

Well-Known Member
Posts
1,434
Location
Bahamas
I have finally built up the nerve to let my mechanic change my timing belt.
I am a little nervous to say the least.
So I want to get as prepared as I can be.
I have the belt change kit , new belt and the modification if needed.

I also plan to flush the radiator and clean the intercooler at the same time.

I would really appreciate any tip, advice and especially any videos on this subject.

I can only find a video on the 200TDI model belt change, how similar is it.

Thanks.
 
Have just had my timing belt done and I had the crankshaft front seals (two of them) changed at the same time.
Also worth cleaning the inlet manifold and blocking off the EGR.
 
Have you read up on setting the belt tension, you either need a dial type torque wrench or one of the 'bendy bar' types, a normal click action wont do it properly. Have you also got a flywheel timing pin and a crank locking tool (for undoing and tighten the front pulley nut)?
 
Follow the trailerfitter's toolbox videos on youtube. They're mostly aimed at 200 tdis but both engines are very very similar. Just take your time with it. It's not difficult at all. I remember going weak at the knees and feeling dizzy with anxiety the first time i did mine. I have done many others since and never had any problems. Just a couple of pointers:

1. A new 300tdi belt only requires 11 Nm of torque.
2. Remember to turn the engine over twice, re-lock crank and FIP, undo the 3 nuts on the FIP pulley, loosen the tensioner, re-tension, re-tighten the nuts on the FIP and turn the engine over again twice.
3. If you would like to fire the engine up for a few seconds just to make sure it runs (after fitting the new belt and before fitting the front cover), fit the crankshaft pulley and bolt it up. That way the crankshaft sprocket has absolutely no chance of budging. Don't forget to connect the oil cooler pipes to the radiator before firing up. Don't run the engine for more than a few seconds.
4. If the crankshaft seal is leaking, removing the sprocket shouldn't be difficult. Buy a couple of long M5 bolts, screw them into the holes provided, grab them with mole grips and tug them. It should come out with no fuss. Levering out the old seal is a bit of a bitch. Just be patient.

On the whole, it's a relatively simple job.
 
Kwakerman said:
Have you read up on setting the belt tension, you either need a dial type torque wrench or one of the 'bendy bar' types, a normal click action wont do it properly. Have you also got a flywheel timing pin and a crank locking tool (for undoing and tighten the front pulley nut)?
Click to expand...

Yes yes and yes.
I purchased the belt changing kit with the new belt and have the bendy torque wrench.

Thanks.
 
reiny said:
Follow the trailerfitter's toolbox videos on youtube. They're mostly aimed at 200 tdis but both engines are very very similar. Just take your time with it. It's not difficult at all. I remember going weak at the knees and feeling dizzy with anxiety the first time i did mine. I have done many others since and never had any problems. Just a couple of pointers:

1. A new 300tdi belt only requires 11 Nm of torque.
2. Remember to turn the engine over twice, re-lock crank and FIP, undo the 3 nuts on the FIP pulley, loosen the tensioner, re-tension, re-tighten the nuts on the FIP and turn the engine over again twice.
3. If you would like to fire the engine up for a few seconds just to make sure it runs (after fitting the new belt and before fitting the front cover), fit the crankshaft pulley and bolt it up. That way the crankshaft sprocket has absolutely no chance of budging. Don't forget to connect the oil cooler pipes to the radiator before firing up. Don't run the engine for more than a few seconds.
4. If the crankshaft seal is leaking, removing the sprocket shouldn't be difficult. Buy a couple of long M5 bolts, screw them into the holes provided, grab them with mole grips and tug them. It should come out with no fuss. Levering out the old seal is a bit of a bitch. Just be patient.

On the whole, it's a relatively simple job.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much!

I will take pictures as we get it done.
 
natas said:
I found a great link yesterday on youtube that allows me to download videos via "vimeo", one of the video's is an hour long tutorial on changing the 300TDI camshaft belt, only $10.00. My mechanic and I will watch it before we attempt the job.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

i know you are limited on choice.. but a 'mechanic' not knowing how to change a belt and needing to watch a youtube vid is funny.
 
trax said:
i know you are limited on choice.. but a 'mechanic' not knowing how to change a belt and needing to watch a youtube vid is funny.
Click to expand...


He could probly do it with no problem but I want to be sure.

There is no LR dealership in the country, no LR certified mechanics, and very few diesel LR's especially Defenders.

So I want to try and get it correct the first time as parts take about 2 weeks to get to The Bahamas from the UK at best.
 
trax said:
i understand, you make them sound very bush mechanic :)
Click to expand...


"Bush mechanic".

That's exactly what we call them, there is even a local calypso song here about "bush mechanics". :D

After watching the video, I am confident that it will not be a major problem.

Anything special I need to know about flushing the radiator and or cleaning the intercooler.
 
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