Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Timing/cam Belt - when to replace? Warranty?

I had my one year 4000 mile service last month & received a check list with M3W logo, First Service Schedule Version 2 issue 1 - 25th September 2013. So there is something available at least to dealers. They did however use the same list at 6 weeks & 1000 miles.
The list says against Timing belt: to be checked & cleaned at second service. For spark plugs & air filter replace at 10000 miles/3 years dependent on environmental conditions.
For two items, check rear sprocket & fixings, check rear wheel bolts & hub fixings, in capitals Note: This is a very important check.
So is that the first service or second service I just had?
On page 37 of the owners handbook are items needing special attention in red but no mention of timing belt. Nothing in section 16 Routine Maintenance.

Tim

Sounds like PB's dealer might have gone on an "Easter Egg hunt"? I would demand to see the documentation.

My cam belt self destructed at just over 13,000 miles. Replaced under warranty. I added the spacers to the cover and that has helped with the heat build up. The bike guru I went to is very familiar with S&S and has seen too many belts die due to heat.

My new rule is to check it at every oil change, which is anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Why not? Good time to do it as the tools are out and why waste a trip?

Also be aware that the new belt I had installed is very different from the one that imploded. Same manufacturer different build. New and improved? I hope so.

Chris 99 is correct about the S&S manual advice for cam belt replacement intervals but I am informed from Morgan that the latest (version 3) M3W handbook says that the cam belt should be replaced at "every other service". So probably considerably less than the S&S 30,000 miles! Try mattsmachineshop@btopenworld.com for a better price.

Anyone else had their cam belt replaced as part of normal service? Covered by warranty or not?

I didn't realise just how hot the timing belt cover gets, until I put my hand on it, after a run the other day, even after spacing it out to allow some air to circulate.

I tend to agree Mike, this is another example of trying to cure the problem rather than finding a fix so that there is no problem in the first place, then charging the customer for the privilege.

Should Morgan be the ones to fix it or should S&S be looking to remedy the problem? In the meantime, the poor old dealer is the one with a legal liability, certainly in the UK, under the Sale of Goods Act. What exactly would constitute being "Fit for Purpose" when applied to the Three Wheeler?

My personal opinion is that S&S is fully responsible for the problems with the cam belt.
A "performance engine" not performing without problems is just poor American engeneering. They have to find a fix.
As we have purchased the thing with the MTW, its Morgan to sort it out with the supplier, according to European consumers law.