How specialised a job is the timing belt?

[nickeym1]

Hey fellas im getting the timing belt done in 2 weeks along with clutch flywheel and tandem pump. I have spoken to a mechanic already and he will do the clutch and flywheel for 180 euro and the tbelt for 160 euro and obvioously im supplying the parts myself. So its a really good price for the labor i think. My only concern is he is an old enough gentleman very genuine and sincere but im wondering would he be too old school. Is the timing belt a job that can be badly messed up. This guy was recommended to me by another mechanic. I just want to be sure the belt is done right and not have problems after. Anyone had any bad timing belt jobs done?

[phil miller]

Hi mate, im fairly sure if he wasnt up for the job he wouldnt take it on, i take it he has his own garage and has been in the trade for ages? if so he will prob have the tech data for the cam belt change, it is a big job but he will be fine, the clutch change shoundnt give him any hassel either mate

[asrpaint]

I think old school are very good as they taught the new school

[nickeym1]

Hi mate, im fairly sure if he wasnt up for the job he wouldnt take it on, i take it he has his own garage and has been in the trade for ages? if so he will prob have the tech data for the cam belt change, it is a big job but he will be fine, the clutch change shoundnt give him any hassel either mate
Cheers for the info mate. Ya he has his own garage with lift an all that. He works on his own there. He is a really sound bloke but i just wanted to put my mind at ease. Older the fiddle the sweeter the tune so they say:biglaugh: You have put my mind at ease :beerchug:

[nickeym1]

I think old school are very good as they taught the new school
Good point there i suppose;)

[phil miller]

Cheers for the info mate. Ya he has his own garage with lift an all that. He works on his own there. He is a really sound bloke but i just wanted to put my mind at ease. Older the fiddle the sweeter the tune so they say:biglaugh: You have put my mind at ease :beerchug:

ideal, let us know how the job goes, sounds like he has a great little workshop

when i left school almost 20 yrs ago i worked for a father and son garage, i learnt more from the father than the son even tho the son was only 5/6 yrs older than me, over the last 10 yrs or so ive found the old school mechanics wont take a job on that they arent competent with, im sure you have made the right choice mate

[nickeym1]

ideal, let us know how the job goes, sounds like he has a great little workshop

when i left school almost 20 yrs ago i worked for a father and son garage, i learnt more from the father than the son even tho the son was only 5/6 yrs older than me, over the last 10 yrs or so ive found the old school mechanics wont take a job on that they arent competent with, im sure you have made the right choice mate
Your probably right the garage that pointed me to him are well known and respected in my town so i should be at ease i suppose. Hes a good guy and will not rip me off and to be fair is doing it at a fraction of the price the dealers will do it for (800euro for clutch kit and labor) and 550 for the timing belt :o

[pete99]

Good point there i suppose;)
Many a good tune played on a 'old' fiddle.
Isn't that right Crasher' ?.;)

[sabikeuk]

Timing belt is not hard, it is just another myth...just need right tools. I guess he has done a lot of belts

[nickeym1]

Timing belt is not hard, it is just another myth...just need right tools. I guess he has done a lot of belts
Not hard if you know how but im guessin its well over my level of expertise which is not very high

[pete99]

Not hard if you know how but im guessin its well over my level of expertise which is not very high
If in doubt- 'leave it out'.
Leave those jobs to the people who 'know' what they are doing . It's safer.
Horses for courses.
Each one to their own.

Jack of all trades comes to mind . (nothing personal)
It's a expensive mistake- if you get it wrong .
Much easier to do a job in our own trade- earn a few bob and pay for the 'once every 4 year jobs' to a expert who knows all the quirks and 'pitfalls'.

Thats my philosophy anyway.

[nickeym1]

If in doubt- 'leave it out'.
Leave those jobs to the people who 'know' what they are doing . It's safer.
Horses for courses.
Each one to their own.

Jack of all trades comes to mind . (nothing personal)
It's a expensive mistake- if you get it wrong .
Much easier to do a job in our own trade- earn a few bob and pay for the 'once every 4 year jobs' to a expert who knows all the quirks and 'pitfalls'.

Thats my philosophy anyway.
I was not even considering it mate the last guy who posted said it was easy not me.
Ill tackle the small jobs and save myself a few pound and i actually like doing it and learning but as you say i will leave the big jobs to the pros

[sabikeuk]

Not hard if you know how but im guessin its well over my level of expertise which is not very high

I meant it shouldnot be hard for an experienced mechanic, of course it would be difficult for you...

[nickeym1]

I meant it shouldnot be hard for an experienced mechanic, of course it would be difficult for you...
Ah no prob mate i know what you meant :beerchug: