Hi All,
As a new owner (one week!) the first thing I wanted to do was replace the belt on my Lite Ace 2.0TD. I never trust these things on any car and it is always the first thing I do.
Well, I had a good read of the archives and was horrified at the tales of allowing a day or more. It seemed the lowest estimate of the time it would take was six hours or more. In fact I had the whole job done in less than three hours, and that included about a half an hour or more to fabricate a tool to remove the front pulley.( a rear hub puller from the old style Mini, redrilled to fit the hole spacing). The floor pan removal took less than fifteen minutes! Having done the job once, and knowing where all the bolts are, and if I had less tea and fags suring the process, I reckon 2 to 2 and a half hours would be about right. Okay, I am a professional mechanic, with 30 years experience, including several years working on Ferraris and Lambos, and I do have access to a complete workshop with lifts, air tools etc. But even so, this job should not take much more than three hours for any competent mechanic so don't get ripped off! If I was doing this job "on the side" I would not be looking to charge more than 150 quid all in.
Anyway, the next job is to sort out the Auto box. It won't shift up until 3500 and is very harsh. Most likely a kickdown cable problem.
If there are any other Ace owners on the Isle of Wight, do get in touch. I really love this vehicle!

- (#9439) John Shaw, 20 Mar 04 10:49

John,
Welcome to the fold. How nice to hear that an expert is only 3 hours quicker than me! My time was taken up getting the pulley off without a puller. Any chance of you sending a photo of your adapted puller to the Editor Ace Answers, so he can include it on the hints and tips? I'm sure that the stories of a broken crankshaft pulley puts a lot of people off having a go.
Also refreshing to hear a mechanic praising an Ace!

- (#9439) Clive (Bristol), 20 Mar 04 11:44

Isle of White sounds like nice place for a holiday ! I am sure I won't miss the van for four hours???? When is the best time to visit?

- (#9439) Steve, 20 Mar 04 17:46

Seriously, if anyone out there is visiting the Island, get in touch! I am no expert on these vehicles as this is my first one, but I do know my way around cars and will help you out if I can. I am taking the family to Blackpool in the beast at Easter and it will be the first run in it other than the five miles to work and back, so fingers crossed. So far it hasn't used a drop of water and there are no signs of any leaks so I'm quietly optimistic!

- (#9439) John Shaw, 21 Mar 04 04:43