How To - CAM Belt Change 3200GT

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skyestuart

Member
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182
Does anyone have one? When I bought my car last year I was told the Cam Belt had been changed at the last service. But I've failed to get evidence from the seller this was actually done so I'm going to get it done or at least inspected just in case.

Thanks

Stuart
 
Kincath

Kincath

Member
Messages
359
Stuart,

I don’t have have one but my local mechanic who has done lots of work for me over the years done it with no issues. He said it was very straightforward. Just remember to fully remove the radiator. Don’t be tempted to pull it out the way. If you do the flange has a tendency to crack and you will need a new one.
 
philw696

philw696

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25,442
It's fairly straightforward to put one back on where the old one came off.
If you want to do it per factory spec for optimum performance it needs dial gauges and a lot more time consuming.
Forget everything you know about changing timing belts on Vauxhall's and Ford's.
 
S

skyestuart

Member
Messages
182
philw696 said:
It's fairly straightforward to put one back on where the old one came off.
If you want to do it per factory spec for optimum performance it needs dial gauges and a lot more time consuming.
Forget everything you know about changing timing belts on Vauxhall's and Ford's.
Click to expand...
Thats easy because I know nothing about timing belts on Vauxhalls and Fords! I did a timing chain once on an Alfa Giulietta but that was back in the 80's
 
philw696

philw696

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25,442
skyestuart said:
Thats easy because I know nothing about timing belts on Vauxhalls and Fords! I did a timing chain once on an Alfa Giulietta but that was back in the 80's
Click to expand...
The point I'm making is as a highly experienced Mechanic of 40 years just changing the belt ain't the right way.
When I was at Maserati variators can take a working week to do setting the timing up correctly.
 
Wanderer

Wanderer

Member
Messages
5,791
philw696 said:
The point I'm making is as a highly experienced Mechanic of 40 years just changing the belt ain't the right way.
When I was at Maserati variators can take a working week to do setting the timing up correctly.
Click to expand...

Can you not turn it inside out like you do with your underpants?
 
philw696

philw696

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25,442
Wanderer said:
Can you not turn it inside out like you do with your underpants?
Click to expand...
Oh Dear I'm not going to say anything else on this other than if you want to do it quickly.
Engine covers off.
Engine running at idle.
Get a Stanley knife blade and put a cut into the belt at the middle point.
Stop engine and remove the front half of the belt.
Put the new belt half way on.
Cut and remove the other half of the old belt.
Push the rest of the new belt on.
Refit covers and job done.
 
S

skyestuart

Member
Messages
182
philw696 said:
Oh Dear I'm not going to say anything else on this other than if you want to do it quickly.
Engine covers off.
Engine running at idle.
Get a Stanley knife blade and put a cut into the belt at the middle point.
Stop engine and remove the front half of the belt.
Put the new belt half way on.
Cut and remove the other half of the old belt.
Push the rest of the new belt on.
Refit covers and job done.
Click to expand...
Interesting ... I was thinking thats going to jam the blade into your hand !!! but of course if you do it in-line with the belt moving It will work nicely ... cool suggestion...
 
alfatwo

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
philw696 said:
It's fairly straightforward to put one back on where the old one came off.
If you want to do it per factory spec for optimum performance it needs dial gauges and a lot more time consuming.
Forget everything you know about changing timing belts on Vauxhall's and Ford's.
Click to expand...
Fitting the belt as per the factory spec might get you another 15 to 20 hp! as they seemed to set the exhaust cams too advanced , maybe didn't won't to upset the Fesser 360 guys at the time!

You cant just chuck a belt on a 3200, It's not a Ford Pinto engine...
It needs to done correctly with dial gauges and by someone who knows what there doing!

Dave
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,442
alfatwo said:
Fitting the belt as per the factory spec might get you another 15 to 20 hp! as they seemed to set the exhaust cams too advanced , maybe didn't won't to upset the Fesser 360 guys at the time!

You cant just chuck a belt on a 3200, It's not a Ford Pinto engine...
It needs to done correctly with dial gauges and by someone who knows what there doing!

Dave
Click to expand...
Thank you Dave.
There are a couple of us that know mate.
 
alfatwo

alfatwo

Member
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5,517
And another reason and Dicky will agree with me, there's still some high miles DIY shite Masers out there that haven't had any proper work done to them in 10 years!
Hence the cheapo price the sellers are asking, so just beware!

Dave
 
Lozzer

Lozzer

Member
Messages
2,285
I know what Phil
alfatwo said:
And another reason and Dicky will agree with me, there's still some high miles DIY shite Masers out there that haven't had any proper work done to them in 10 years!
Hence the cheapo price the sellers are asking, so just beware!

Dave
Click to expand...
Im tired......
 
S

skyestuart

Member
Messages
182
Is there a digital version of the service manual that covers the cam belt change? I have a couple of dial gauges and thanks guys for the advice .
 
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