GENERAL
Cambelt shortcut
Q I’m about to change the cambelt in my 2.0 Zetec kit car but am curious about a possible easy shortcut. I originally saw it on an episode of Car SOS, where they slit the existing cambelt around its length, pulled the front half off, and slid the new belt half way on. Then the remains of the original belt get cut off, and the new one pushed the rest of the way on.
I can’t think of an issue with doing this but am dubious because of the old “if it seems too good” adage.
Would really appreciate your thoughts on using this method.
Craig McWiggan
A I can see that the advantages of this may look attractive, it ensures that the timing is not altered as the section of original belt that remains is keeping the timing correct, but this method does not take account of replacing the tensioner pulleys.
Whilst this type of short cut may make good TV, I can see too many disadvantages to not carrying out the job correctly. Changing the belt without the tensioner pulleys is certainly one of them, another is that I have fitted a few belts in my time that have been tight to get onto the pulleys, and they rarely slip on easily.
It would need an extremely sharp blade to smoothly slice through the old belt, and then cutting the remains of the old belt with the new one in place, may allow the blade to contact the new belt. This would of course not be a good situation. I would leave this kind of job for the sensational video makers and on my own vehicle I would certainly rather that the job was carried out correctly.
GENERAL
Oil in engine
Q Just wondering how long (timeframe wise) would you recommend leaving fresh oil of Mobil 1, Castrol Edge or Shell Helix Ultra quality in an engine for after an oil change irrespective of mileage?
My car only covers 5-6K miles per annum and since this mileage has been the case, I’ve left the oil in for 24 months at a time, as there has been very little in blackening of the oil. I’m now wondering if this is a bad idea due to the possible accelerating of additive/ base stock depletion, due to the oil being exposed to combustion by-products?
My car does a short journey three days a week where the oil won’t get close to normal operating temperature even in the summer.
Anthony Pattinson
A A large amount of short journeys, which are the worstcase scenario for oil, and do allow for the acidic reaction that can occur to damage the integrity of the oil.
Given the average annual mileage of the vehicle, I would change this at 6000- mile intervals – and even though it does still look clear, I would be more confident of it fully performing its function having replaced it regularly.
GENERAL
Lüften filters
Q Can you please tell me who manufactures the Lüften brand of oil filters and if they are made to OE quality standards – and if not, are they decent filters? Thank you in advance for your help.
Craig Christie
A Lüften filters are sold exclusively by NPA Motor Factors and the RAPID buying group. According to the MPA Motor factors and the RAPID buying group, Lüften Filters are matched to OE quality and backed by a Block Exemption Certificate. This can be seen at this weblink https://bit.ly/CMBePDF
This does state that the filters are at least of an equivalent quality within the meaning of Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010 and Supplementary Guidelines, Articles (19) and (20). Their use does not compromise the reputation of the network’s authorised workshops. In addition, Lüften Filters fulfil requirements for use in authorised workshops for maintenance and repair purposes.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
Road noise
Q I am experiencing tyre tread noise in my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee on all road surfaces, although it is more evident when travelling above 40mph. There is no ABS feel on the brake pedal
