VVC BELT CHANGE.

Hi everyone just a question about changing this belt.  As I have the head removed would it be as well to change the belt while its off and is it a easy or hard job?
  Many thanks.  Glyn.

Yeah if you have the head off it would be highly recommended to replace the both the belts for the VVC and cam drive (+ tensioner)
Indeed it would be bloody foolish not to!

As to how easy it is, well that would depend on you, Do you have mechanical aptitude or mechanical ineptitude?
It should not be too difficult, if you are unsure, follow the procedure in the workshop manual, downloadable from the library section of this forum if you don't already have a hard copy.

Hi thanks for your input/answer. Yes I'm going to change cam belt, pump and tensioner, but was unsure whether I would have to wait until the head was back in the car before doing the VVC belt. Reasonably mechanically savvy been tinkering with engines for almost 60years.

I would wait until the head is back in the car and the cam belt end cam shaft cogs are held in place with the cam lock tool.

I found it easiest to undo the gearbox end exhaust cam cog retaining bolt sufficiently for the cog to be slid off its mount. I then fit the new belt and line up the timing marks prior to refitting the cog and then the bolt.

Thanks for that.

Just curious, what made you decide to take the head off in the first place? Any major issues you're dealing with or just routine maintenance?

You will find it easier to do the rear belt if you turn the front sprockets 180 degrees so that the timing marks line up with a rule and are then locked. Replacing the VVC belt is then a doddle without the internal springs to fight against.

Head gasket replacement.

Have you got the cam and crank locking tools ? You can borrow mine if not

Hi, yes I have. But thanks for the kind offer.
Regards Glyn.