Timing Belt Replacement: Loss of Power?

Hello experts,
I'm new here, I'll give it a try:
I drive a Ford Galaxy TDI with 81 kW, it's 3 years old and has 66,000 km. I've been experiencing a loss of power for about 30,000 km. My (independent) workshop just bought a diagnostic computer, and the Ford was the test subject. The result: the injection timing is just below the lower tolerance limit. The mechanic's recommendation: 'We can adjust the ESP (Electronic Stability Program).' The person who trained us on the computer's recommendation: 'First, replace the timing belt, it may have stretched!'

According to the authorized service center, the timing belt doesn't need to be replaced until 90,000 km.

Thank you very much.

Okay, as far as I know, if it's an AFN engine, it has a tensioner pulley that keeps the timing belt tensioned, so it shouldn't matter whether the belt stretches or not... I think.

I changed mine at 100,000 km, including the tensioner.

Otherwise... if it starts up with the correct settings and the injection times are achieved during operation... then leave the pump as it is... At least, that's what 'rainer' once advised me.

Best regards.

BlauBaer wrote:

Hmm... so far as I know, if it's an AFN engine, there's a tensioner pulley that keeps the timing belt tight, so it shouldn't matter whether the belt stretches or not... I think.

Hi.

Unfortunately, the tensioner pulley is located on the "back" of the belt drive and is therefore where any potential belt growth would occur.

On the engine side, this means that the pump, and even more so the camshaft of the crankshaft, "lags behind" when the belt stretches.
Therefore, the start of injection could potentially shift later during the combustion process, which might eventually prevent achieving the optimal timing for maximum power.

The trend can be observed in the tensioning mechanism: from the factory, the fixed and movable markings of the tensioning mechanism should face each other.
As both belts continue to drift further apart over time (while maintaining the same engine temperature!), the belt will stretch.

Regarding these types of issues, I wouldn't adjust the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) at 66,000 km. The effort isn't worth it, and the belt needs to be replaced soon anyway, which includes checking the ESP settings. I don't trust the 90,000 km service intervals; too much should have already been addressed by then.

After that, you should be able to drive another 80,000 kilometers before needing to worry again.

Okay, so the timing belt needs to be replaced. Even though it might hurt your wallet if you have it done.

Thank you all for the tips, I will take the car to the workshop. The estimated cost is €110 for parts (3 belts and a tensioner) and €160 for labor, which seems reasonable.

Best regards,

Helmut.