Anyone changed there own cam belt on 3ltr diesel if so any tips

Go to Youtube, Powerfull UK site. I have just been watching them do it from the point of someone doing it for the first time. Step by step, just what you need There are 3 parts to the video

Can anyone recommend a cam lock tool

Bought mine from Sealey Tools.

Cambelt is easier than on the 2.7 as there is no viscous fan to worry about removing, the rear HP pump belt should be done at the same time and is easier access wise than on the 2.7 (as you remove all the engine rear cowls and scuttle) but the pump has to be timed, so you'll need the locking pin kit for the cams and the tool for the rear pump. I used both tools from Laser, not bad quality.

Did mine at 115K and nearly due again, not too much hassle to be honest.
Hope that helps!

Hi,

2nd belt change on an L494!! 😮😮😮

Scrumps Somerset - Where the apples do grow and the cider do flow!
2021 Defender 90 D250 HSE in Tasman with white roof.
24MY D300 AB - Verasine Blue - 😀
19MY SDV6 AB - Byron Blue - Gone
17MY D5 SDV6 HSE - Firenze Red - Gone
16MY SDV6 AB -Aruba Silver - Gone
13.5MY SDV6 "HSE Black" - Baltic Blue - Gone
10MY TDV8 HSE Galway Green - Gone
14MY D4 HSE in Scotia Grey - Gone
05 TD5 D90 CSW in Cairns Blue

I got quite good at the belts as plenty of practice on my L320, sold that at 9 years old to a friend with 395K on it, still going strong at just over 450K now!

I believe there are two belts front and back the back one is for the high pressure fuel pump had both mine changed at 62000 on my RRS 2013 3.0 HSE .

Well that must be a global record for L320 mileage - 450k?

Is your L494 over 230k miles then?!

I have nothing but respect for my old L320, I was so sad to let it go but the other half wanted an Evoque so that was that. Friend who bought it initially wanted it just to tow a 1.5 ton digger on the weekends but loves it so much he now uses it all the time.

195K on my L494 (I don't do anywhere near as much travelling now as I did), I'll change the belts at 200K to be safe. It's been super reliable since new, 1 ARC pipe, 1 intercooler hose and most recently I did both inlet manifolds as one cracked and as it was a known problem on MY14.5 it was a case of when not if!

Wow - those are both records that I’ve heard of for each model. I know a Disco 3 with 300k on it but your L320 mileage is incredible!

Any tips for longevity or just regular oil changes?!

Glad to hear your inlet manifolds lasted a decent length of time anyway...

90% of my journeys are motorway so I'm sure that helps as opposed to short stop/start runs. I just drive normally to be honest and never really think about it.

I've always used 100% genuine parts (got a mate who works at MD Parts Dept, so that helps in a big way, used to get dealer +5%, but now only 15% since change of ownership). Do all my own servicing & repairs, had issues with both vehicles with MD when under warranty to a point I'd never ever go near their service departments again. Some of the stories I hear from my mate with regards to their Tech's and the things they bodge or break is unbelievable.

Always changed oil on the dot if not before and always, always used the exact oil specified.

Maybe I've just been very lucky, saying that the other-halfs Evoque has just thrown an ABS fault - rear sensor yesterday so not that lucky!

Any car will be better off doing long motorway journeys. Everything gets up to temperature and then it just sits there purring along hour after hour. If you think about it, it's the least stress possible as you're never accelerating madly nor braking hard (unless you're not paying attention, of course) so nothing's really under any undue stress.

My old TDV8 was never more reliable than when doing 30k a year for 3 years. Was sad to see that sold with 175+k miles on it.

Just checked the MOT history of my old TDV8. It passed in August 2020 with 197,130 miles on the clock. Go girl!  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Most machines will perform better if not run in a stop/start mode, cars are no exception. All my most reliable vehicles were bought as high milers (70-80k) at 3-4 years old and sold on with around 170-180k miles on the clock 4 years later.
I read a lot on this forum, mainly as general interest and it seems that the low mileage/occasional users have the most issues. RRS HSE Dynamic SDV6 2014

Nemo mortalium omnibus horus sapit

After some research I ended up going to Oval Auto in Cradley Heath West Midlands what great service £450 for both belts done same day and a courtesy car too