Just bought my daughter a 98 Fiesta zetec 1.25. HJ FAQs suggests that Zetec E and S engine cambelt intervals are 80,000. Can anyone confirm that I have one of these engines and can I rely on this, the engine has done 51,000. I am naturally nervous having had a belt snap a couple of years ago.
My local Dagenham Motors told me 100,000/10 years! I know the Focus belts are supposed to last this long, but would a 98 1.25 engine be the same?
Sorry to ask the obvious, but the car came without the service and handbooks. I know this info was probably posted before here somewhere but I couldnt find it!
Many thanks.
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My last car was a 1999 1.25 fiesta zetec and its cambelt had a 100,000mile/10 year change interval as per Ford dealer and the car's handbook. I can only assume a '98 car would have the same interval.
Although the mileage is still relatively low, her car is approx 8 years old now so maybe for peace of mind it might just be worth getting it changed.
I thought it was a great little car with a cracking engine - never had a day's trouble in the six years that I owned it.
Graeme.
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Thanks for that, Graeme.
I have since had it confirmed by an independent Ford specialist that it was 100k intervals, but has been reduced to 80k, hence the slight confusion.
As you point out, at 8 years old, I'll (she'll) probably buy peace of mind with a change during the coming year. It would be a shame to ruin a good buy for the sake of a couple of hundred quid.
By the way, do you know where I might source an owners handbook apart from trawling through ebay?
Mike (MCH)
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Err, yes. Is there another Fiesta?
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Sorry jc2, I misread your post. (Trying to fit this in between jobs at work).
I just didn't assume that Ford dealers would stock 8-year old handbooks.
Should't assume, I suppose.
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As luck would have it I happen to own a Fiesta manual that came with my Focus. It is useless to me, so if you want it email-the address is in my profile.;)
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No way would I leave a zetec engine 80,000 miles or more before replacement. 60,000 max i would suggest. Also consider how long in years it has been on, max 5 yrs i would think.
Have seen a few go before these figures, and the cost of repairs if it does go are much higher than the cost of getting it replaced and guaranteed.
But no doubt others will disagree.
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I agree with robcars
We bought a 97 Fiesta 1.4 in January (the 1.25 and 1.4 engines are identical apart from capacity) which had done 78k with a FFSH. The cambelt interval is indeed 100,000 miles and this was still on the original belt!
It was playing on my mind, so I had it done last month at 82,000 miles just to be n the safe side. Not an expensive job. I bought a good quality belt kit (Gates) for £40 and a mechanic mate did it for me in about 90 minutes for £40. He reckons he would charge about £150 all in at "non mate rate", so well be honest, apart from not having the TDC pin and cam plates to set the timing up, I would have no qualms about doing it myself next time. Access is a bit tight, and an engine mount has to come off, but it's not too bad as these go.
Car itself has been utterly reliable but has needed a few repairs in the 6 months we've had it. New heater valve, new front lower arms (bush wear) and new anti-roll bar bushes. All common faults, but easy/cheap to put right.
I would also like to confirm the positive comments about these Zetec engines. Ours is now on 86,000 miles, is smooth, sweet, doesn't use a drop of oil, goes ridiculously well for what it is and regularly returns 40 mpg on my better half's 60 mile a day commute. I recently drove a neighbour's 30,000 mile 1.4 Polo and it's flat, gutless and harsh in comparison.
Cheers
DP
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Thanks for the contributions, specially AlastairW. I've been quoted 200-220 pounds at independents. The car goes in next week.
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