Magic Tippex

bigblackmug

Does anyone believe the Timing belt notes written on the top of engines as to when the timing belt has been changed?
I'm looking at some adverts with tippex stating that timing belt was done at a particular time/milage on cars where I know that the timing belts are very difficult to change requiring many many hours of labour with special tools that only a dealer or specialist could justify purchasing.
The tippex is whiter than snow indicating the tippex has only been applied recently.

Noccy_Mondy

I know that when I got mine done, the the garage put tippex on the engine cover. I think most garages do that, but like you fear, it's simple for someone to make up their own numbers and write them on. Tbh, a timing belt is something major that is done, and you will get a receipt/book stamped so there shouldn't be any excuse for no documentation as well as tippex on the engine cover.

bigblackmug

car I'm thinking of has not one but three timing belts because it is a V shaped engine and even on the forums they acknowledge it is a very tricky job to do with the correct parts. Specialists charge over 800 sterling for the job due to the complexity.

Noccy_Mondy

Is it a new-ish car? Is it due a replacement? I'm sure you could come to some arrangement with the dealer to have it changed (if needed) before you buy.

bigblackmug

I don't need a belt replacement. My car has a documented belt change from the original dealer but I see people claiming belt changes on the same car and tippex on the engine and i don't believe a word of it.
It is a model of car where the milage correction software isn't available so they wouldn't be using milage correction to get around this inconvenience.

Noccy_Mondy

Oh right, what car is it? Maybe some are dodgy, but most are legit.

bigblackmug

Rover 75 KV6

ba_barabus

bigblackmug wrote: »

Rover 75 KV6

I'd eat my fist if it was done.

Can you link to the ad?

bigblackmug

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rover-75/6775744

that is just an example. Wasn't even done at 90k which is the recommended interval. Actually it is 6years/90k miles but when you have got a car that is worth about a grand you will play roulette and wait for 90k.

Noccy_Mondy

That tippex looks recent alright.

ba_barabus

bigblackmug wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rover-75/6775744

that is just an example. Wasn't even done at 90k which is the recommended interval. Actually it is 6years/90k miles but when you have got a car that is worth about a grand you will play roulette and wait for 90k.

Tbh at 800 I'd buy it and drive it on. Do it if you want but I'd be amazed if it was done when the tippex says

wotzgoingon

Well when I got my old cars timing belt done he wrote on the cover the millage it was done at, got no receipts or nothing. But after lurking around these forums recently I will be asking for a receipt next time I get some major work done to my car.

bigblackmug

what are the odds that when you hear it running you hear a rattle off the variable intake system. owned 7 years but as brief an advert as possible so that seller doesn't disclose any of the problems that are on the car.

goz83

Its magic tippex. Stays snow white forever.

11wingnut

I was asked to look at a car my friend had on a test drive from a dealer the tippex said tb done at 70k but the clock said only 59k
this was after he test drove a car that i wold not leave my house for ,it had a crease across the roof from each A post .

Bio Mech

I remember a post on here a year or so ago. Was a Fiesta for sale with TB 70K written on the engine cover. It was a push rod engine

Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime

Probably just as good as those spray on tyres

djimi

The only time that I would ever trust a tippex mark on an engine was if I was buying the car from a mechanic that I trusted and who was the one who carried out the work himself. Other than that it means nothing.

As a rule, if I cant verify beyond doubt when a timing belt has been changed then Ill change it as a matter of course after buying a car. The cost involved is small money in the grand scheme of things.

rovoagho

I never trust the Tipp-ex, I need a legitimate looking stamp or receipt from a dealer I can find or l'll factor the cost into the price. I did the TB on my 850 shortly after buying it, just in case, despite the fact the seller said it had been done. It's not worth the risk.

I was surprised by my mechanic though, he said the water pump didn't need doing. I thought these were always done as a set. I've wondered since if I should've asked him to do it anyway.

corktina

i'd kill my garage if they put tippex on my engine...first thing I did buying my Focus was to get a new battery box cover as it was tippexed with(of all things) the next service date.

djimi

corktina wrote: »

i'd kill my garage if they put tippex on my engine...first thing I did buying my Focus was to get a new battery box cover as it was tippexed with(of all things) the next service date.

As I would I in fairness, although thankfully I go to a mechanic who knows better! If anyone ever wrote on my rocker cover in tippex Id take it off and beat them with it...

quadrifoglio verde

Magic Tippex, lol.

When it comes to belts, if the only evidence that its been done is tippex, its getting done straight away once I own it and use said lack of evidence to beat down the price.
Even if theres a receipt from a garage, I'll phone the garage that did it and find out if they used cam locks. If they try give me some bull**** that you don't need cam locks for an alfa.....well I give them a bit of a lecture on why you must.

When it comes to alfas, as most probably know, it is imperative that timing belt changes are done on time and done correctly.
So id either be looking for a receipt from a well known specialist, or receipts for parts from the owner who may have done it himself, provided he could show me the tools. Its not like cam locks are expensive for an alfa either. Only about 30 pounds.

JohnBoy26

I don't mind tippex on an engine as long as there is receipts to back up the parts used or the work done.

I do most of my own work on my car. I've kept all the receipts from the parts I've used and I've written with tippex when this work/and at what mileage this work was done. I also back this up with my own paper record.

This might not be a proper service history but at least it will offer some proof to a future buyer if i ever decide to sell.

rovoagho

corktina wrote: »

i'd kill my garage if they put tippex on my engine...first thing I did buying my Focus was to get a new battery box cover as it was tippexed with(of all things) the next service date.

Acetone and/or white spirit would have saved you the bobs.

Stavros Murphy

rovoagho wrote: »

Acetone and/or white spirit would have saved you the bobs.

Or a full under-bonnet respray in white.

roper1664

bigblackmug wrote: »

car I'm thinking of has not one but three timing belts because it is a V shaped engine and even on the forums they acknowledge it is a very tricky job to do with the correct parts. Specialists charge over 800 sterling for the job due to the complexity.

is that a GM V6 and what car is it?

debabyjesus

The gates kits normally come with a little sticker I use that instead of tippex.