Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue Wet Belt: Why You Shouldn't Wait

If you drive a Ford Transit or Transit Custom with the 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine, there's one job you really don't want to put off: the wet timing belt. At MS Auto Centre we've replaced thousands of them, and we see what happens when they're left too long. Here's what you need to know.

What is a wet belt?

Most engines run their timing belt dry, behind a cover on the outside of the engine. The 2.0 EcoBlue is different. Its timing belt and oil pump belt run inside the engine, bathed in engine oil. Ford designed it this way to make the engine quieter and more efficient, but it means the belt is constantly sat in hot oil, and if that oil isn't in good condition the belt suffers.

Why do they fail?

The biggest problem is the oil itself. When the van's diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleans itself, a small amount of diesel can find its way into the engine oil. Over time that thins the oil and attacks the rubber in the belt. The belt starts to break down, and small pieces of it can come away and block the oil pump strainer. That starves the engine of oil.

Vans that do a lot of short journeys, stop-start town work or heavy loads are hit hardest, because that's exactly the kind of use that causes the most DPF cleaning and oil dilution.

What does Ford say?

Ford originally said the belt would last 10 years or 150,000 miles. It has since cut that to 6 years or 100,000 miles, after problems with belts wearing out early. Even that revised figure should be treated as an absolute maximum, not a target.

What we recommend

From what we see in the workshop every week, we think Ford's intervals are still far too long. We recommend changing the wet belt every 60,000 miles. We've seen belts snap at 60,000 miles, and when they go, the damage to the engine is usually severe and very expensive to put right.

A belt change costs a fraction of a replacement engine. For anyone who relies on their van for work, the time off the road alone makes it worth doing early.

Warning signs to look out for

• The oil pressure warning light coming on, even briefly, under load or when the engine is cold
• An engine warning light
• Rattling or knocking noises from the engine
• Oil that looks or smells unusual, or smells of diesel

If you notice any of these, stop driving and get the van checked as soon as possible. Carrying on could turn a belt job into a new engine.

Why choose MS Auto Centre?

We're Ford specialists and wet belts are everyday work for us. We fit quality parts, replace the full kit including the oil pump belt and tensioner, and check the oil system for debris while we're in there, so the job is done properly first time.

Not sure when your belt was last changed? Give us a call on 0121 377 7738 or pop in to see us at 912 Kingsbury Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9PY, and we'll take a look.