Mk3 1.8 or 2.0 ???

[PD1000]

Hi, I searched the posts, but, can't find a debate on which is best, 1.8 or 2.0 Tdci.  Any opinions welcome cos some say the 2.0 is better and there are expenses  with the wet belts on the 1.8. I have no experience with either, yet!

[johnnyroper]

My only experience of the 1.8 are a taxi company owner I know has mondeo ones and he has had 3 wet belts fail totalling the engines. If you go down 1.8 route if it has wet belt make sure it has been changed or get it done. Think the kit is about Ã,£150 but quite extensive labour involved.

[PD1000]

Thanks Johnnyroper for your reply, does all 1.8s have wet belts?

[davetech]

Depending on age of vehicle you are looking for, have you considered the 2.2 TDCi?
A friend of mine had a 2.0 SMax which he said was infinitely better and less troublesome than his 1.8, but the 2.2 has a specially balanced camshaft which makes the engine smooth; he is always envious when he is in it.
I've not had a single mechanical problem with my 8 year old 2.2 (although my mileage is low).

[johnnyroper]

Thanks Johnnyroper for your reply, does all 1.8s have wet belts?

I am led to believe some are chain drive but don't know if there is a definitive way to tell as both are encased. If it was me and I bought one I would factor in cost of replacement and have done for peace of mind. I think ford recommend 125k Mile/10 year intervals but I would not be letting it go that long. Max I would go is 80k/8 years.

[Chrispb]

The focus that uses the lynx engine (1.8) went from the wet chain to a wet belt in January 2008 and recommend both belts changed at the same time.
I would assume from that that the Galaxy with the 1.8 Lynx engine will be similar unless anyone knows different.

[Jase1]

Weve a 2.2 galaxy and the engine is really smooth and responsive. My mechanic says there the best engines out of the lot. Since they got rid of the 1.9 pd in the mkw

[mike wilson]

It's swings and roundabouts.  There are two belts in the 1.8 and they are expensive to change, needing seals and gaskets, etc. as well as the internal cassette belt.  The 2 and 2.2 have a single, therefore cheaper belt but it is perceived wisdom to change the water pump at belt change time as the belt has to come off to access the pump.  Doesn't work out much cheaper overall.

The real issue is Ford's wording of "maximum recommended change interval" being 125,000 miles, for both.  This means that, if a belt fails earlier, it is not Ford's responsibility.  As there are documented fails at less than half that mileage and many at the 80,000 mile plus range, Ford seems to be trying to remove its customer base.

The previously fitted internal chain cassette is a straight swap for the belt one, albeit hard to source.