Is a Repco mechanic good enough?

Graeme-P407

Graeme-P407

Member
Tadpole
Tadpole
Joined
Dec 11, 2022
Messages
22
Location
Lithgow
Hi. Newbie here seeking opinions. I just purchased a 2008 Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi ST. I'm hoping to do a precautionary timing belt change as I'm assuming it's probably not been done yet. My question: In your opinion would you trust a generic Repco certified workshop to do this? I guess I'm asking if my car requires a mechanic with specialist knowledge or tools, or can I assume that most reputable workshops can do it i.e., would you guys trust a Repco workshop? I'm near Bathurst so I'm trying to avoid travelling to Sydney for a specialist but I will if I have to I guess.
 

Attachments

  • Froggy2.jpg
    Froggy2.jpg
    595.3 KB · Views: 60
It depends, as always. Does he know how to lock the engine, crank and cam shafts? Does he know that the crankshaft pulley is held by bolt friction - there is no key? Can he bleed the coolant? You should also change the water pump and coolant at the same time.

Which engine is it? Post letters 6,7 and 8 of the VIN, eg RHR and you can be pointed to the procedure. Parts (belt and pump) will set you back approx $275 if you get them from an independent supplier. About 5 litres of long life organic acid technology coolant is needed, The best stuff is the blue product from a Peugeot dealer.

There are many engines found in Peugeot cars, and those three letters are used as an indicative code.

If it were my car I'd go to Penrith or Granville where there are people familiar with these diesels. Unfortunately you'd have a day to fill in.
 
Last edited:
Not difficult, but different.

Have you done the 407 yet?
 
seasink said:
It depends, as always. Does he know how to lock the engine, crank and cam shafts? Does he know that the crankshaft pulley is held by bolt friction - there is no key? Can he bleed the coolant? You should also change the water pump and coolant at the same time.

Which engine is it? Post letters 6,7 and 8 of the VIN, eg RHR and you can be pointed to the procedure. Parts (belt and pump) will set you back approx $275 if you get them from an independent supplier. About 5 litres of long life organic acid technology coolant is needed, The best stuff is the blue product from a Peugeot dealer.

There are many engines found in Peugeot cars, and those three letters are used as an indicative code.

If it were my car I'd go to Penrith or Granville where there are people familiar with these diesels. Unfortunately you'd have a day to fill in.
Click to expand...
Cheers, I appreciate you're advice. Given what you've said here I think I'd feel more at ease driving it to a mechanic with more specific knowledge. Also re the VIN, letters 6,7 & 8 are in fact RHR. I've been Googling for Peugeot mechanics and apart from a couple north of Sydney and one in Parramatta I didn't see anyone in Penrith. Good location for me. Can you recommend one there?
 
seasink said:
Not difficult, but different.

Have you done the 407 yet?
Click to expand...
yes, it should be the easiest one of all to do really. don't get the skf kit. i stuffed aroudn for bloody hours as I couldn't get the tensioner to back off without twisting out of shape (I was trying to fit the belt with the tensioner fitted at first).
 
European Autocare in Batt St Penrith was the place I had in mind. It looks like a junkyard, full of decaying old Citroens presumably needed for parts. It is astounding - do a Streetview. The RHR motor is also fitted to Citroen C5s of the same era, and they should know it. At Granville is Colliers, who have a website, who specialise in French cars. They would certainly do it well for you.

Attached is the official short handbook for the engine as fitted to the C5, In French. translate.google.com.au can make it English. Torques are metric! .
 

Attachments

  • RHRdistribtion.pdf
    637.1 KB · Views: 124
seasink said:
European Autocare in Batt St Penrith was the place I had in mind. It looks like a junkyard, full of decaying old Citroens presumably needed for parts. It is astounding - do a Streetview. The RHR motor is also fitted to Citroen C5s of the same era, and they should know it. At Granville is Colliers, who have a website, who specialise in French cars. They would certainly do it well for you.

Attached is the official short handbook for the engine as fitted to the C5, In French. translate.google.com.au can make it English. Torques are metric! .
Click to expand...
That’s great. Very much appreciate your help. I’ll give one or both of those guys a call this week. Cheers 👍🏼
 
Graeme-P407 said:
That’s great. Very much appreciate your help. I’ll give one or both of those guys a call this week. Cheers 👍🏼
Click to expand...
Hi Graeme, I'm guessing from your location that your "Repco" garage might be 'Windsors Automotive' in Kelso? I've been using them for about the last year now on various jobs (admittedly not yet a cambelt change) and they seem to be pretty good. The proprietor is active in the 'Bathurst Light Car Club' / Motorsport. Don't know if that's any help. Regards, Rob
 
baldrick56 said:
Hi Graeme, I'm guessing from your location that your "Repco" garage might be 'Windsors Automotive' in Kelso? I've been using them for about the last year now on various jobs (admittedly not yet a cambelt change) and they seem to be pretty good. The proprietor is active in the 'Bathurst Light Car Club' / Motorsport. Don't know if that's any help. Regards, Rob
Click to expand...
Hi Rob. Yes I was referring to Windsors Automotive. Their website says they service European cars but then I found that all Repco workshops say the same thing and all have that same webpage e.g, Hicks Automotive in Lithgow and quiet young mechanics working there so I’m naturally hesitant. I think the timing belt needs specialists attention but for other occasions Windsors will probably be my go to. Cheers.
 
Same engine was used in contemporary Ford Mondeo if that helps at all.
 
Contemporary is the magic word though. There are several versions of the 2L HDI. You will still have to look around.

Workshop quotes will probably lie between $1000 and a few hundred more depending on the labour charge. Kits cost about $190 and pumps more than $80. The long life coolant will be replaced and the system bled. You would be up for 4 1/2 - 5 hours in my rather occasional experience.. Access is not ideal.

Fortunately a belt isn't needed very often. Do you have any indication in the service book or written on the engine label of it being done?

Ordinary servicing is quite easy and economical for DIY. You can get good filters and sump washers, brake pads and discs, etc by courier from places in Sydney like https://www.eai.net.au or Dapco. There are Youtube how-tos in several languages. If you have common steep gradient ramps, put flat pieces of wood in front of them to raise the front wheels a couple of inches and it will go up and down without fouling the bumper. Jack stands fit easily at the cross member ends
 
I called Colliers and after giving my basic vehicle identification info, VIN, make, model, he quoted me $1,500 which includes timing belt kit, water pump, coolant & bleed. I thought that was a bit stiff. I was expecting about $1100 — $1200 based on my previous experience with a Volkswagen. So I expected that Peugeot would have similar maintenance costs. I haven't been able to get through to European Auto Care yet, no answer on their phone.

The vehicle's handbook recommends that the belt be changed at 180,000km or 9 years. My car has 174,000km on the clock but it's a 14 year old car which is my great concern. I don't see mention of a previous belt change in the service booklet so I'm assuming it's not been done and I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm trying to avoid driving it until I get this done.

I've always done my own fluid and filter changes and basic stuff like starter motors, fuel pumps, brake pads etc but a timing belt is way beyond my expertise. Interestingly enough on another matter a transmission specialist quoted me $400 for a fluid change on the Peugeot so I think that'll be a job for me and Youtube over the Christmas break :)
 
I agree with your caution in assuming it wasn't done. It's an interference engine, known to destroy valve rockers. The Penrith place is reminiscent of a country set up. I don't know of any recent involvement with them to help.

Did you get a local quote? You have the mechanics' handbook pages which can be online translated if someone is unfamiliar with this engine. Pegging is important.

Regarding the transmission fluid change, it's an Aisin Seiki unit, shared by other makes, and has had lots of discussion here. You can do it yourself with the correct recommended fluid (cheaper at Toyota dealers). Some here use a Penrite fluid, but I have no experience of it. Electroboy here at AF some time ago translated the well known French instructions for this box (on a 6 cyl car), attached. You can't empty the lot in one go. To refill a funnel with a long flexible spot is near essential. Parts shops have them.

The dealers say the box is filled once for life. That is so - change it from time to time.
 

Attachments

  • AM6 Oil Change Instructions in English copy.pdf
    854.5 KB · Views: 124
seasink said:
European Autocare in Batt St Penrith was the place I had in mind. It looks like a junkyard, full of decaying old Citroens presumably needed for parts. It is astounding - do a Streetview. The RHR motor is also fitted to Citroen C5s of the same era, and they should know it. At Granville is Colliers, who have a website, who specialise in French cars. They would certainly do it well for you.

Attached is the official short handbook for the engine as fitted to the C5, In French. translate.google.com.au can make it English. Torques are metric! .
Click to expand...
I found that place by accident and was blown out.
Citroen everywhere!

It is worth a look .
 
seasink said:
I agree with your caution in assuming it wasn't done. It's an interference engine, known to destroy valve rockers. The Penrith place is reminiscent of a country set up. I don't know of any recent involvement with them to help.

Did you get a local quote? You have the mechanics' handbook pages which can be online translated if someone is unfamiliar with this engine. Pegging is important.

Regarding the transmission fluid change, it's an Aisin Seiki unit, shared by other makes, and has had lots of discussion here. You can do it yourself with the correct recommended fluid (cheaper at Toyota dealers). Some here use a Penrite fluid, but I have no experience of it. Electroboy here at AF some time ago translated the well known French instructions for this box (on a 6 cyl car), attached. You can't empty the lot in one go. To refill a funnel with a long flexible spot is near essential. Parts shops have them.

The dealers say the box is filled once for life. That is so - change it from time to time.
Click to expand...
Thank you. You've been a great help. I was looking everywhere for information on this transmission. All I knew was that it was used on various makes and models of car and possibly a Japanese unit, but I couldn't find the specific one. Very grateful for your information!
 
The 2.0 L DW10B engine (coded RHR). The transmission will try to stay around maximum torque. It adapts to driving style.
dw10b.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top