Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost is fitted to a huge number of Fords, and it has a timing belt that runs inside the engine, in the oil. We've been changing a lot of them. Russ is VW and Ford main dealer trained, and he'll do the job properly using genuine parts: new belt and tensioner, a proper look at the oil pickup, and fresh oil of the right spec.
Which Fords have a wet belt?
- 1.0 EcoBoost (three-cylinder turbo petrol): Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Puma, B-Max, C-Max and Grand C-Max, Transit Connect and Transit Courier.
- 1.1 Ti-VCT (non-turbo petrol in the 2017-on Fiesta): also has a timing belt in oil.
- Later 1.0 EcoBoost engines, including many mild-hybrid (mHEV) versions, moved to a timing chain for the camshafts but still use a smaller belt in oil to drive the oil pump.
- 1.5 EcoBoost three-cylinder (for example the Fiesta ST and Puma ST): the camshafts are chain-driven, but many versions drive the oil pump with a small belt in oil.
Which one your car has depends on the exact engine, not just the model or year. Give Russ your registration and he'll check.
What is a wet belt?
A normal cambelt runs dry, behind a cover on the outside of the engine. A wet belt (belt in oil) runs inside the engine and is lubricated by the engine oil. That makes it quieter, with less friction, but it depends on the oil staying clean and correct.
Why they wear out
Over time, and faster with the wrong oil, overdue oil changes or lots of short trips, the belt's rubber starts to break down. It sheds small pieces into the oil. Those gather in the sump and get drawn towards the oil pump pickup, which has a fine mesh strainer. As the strainer blocks, oil pressure drops, and an engine without enough oil pressure can be badly damaged very quickly.
Warning signs
- Oil pressure warning light, even if it only flickers
- New noises from the engine: rattling, ticking or knocking
- Loss of power, limp mode or an engine management light
- Dirty or contaminated oil, or black bits on the dipstick or in the filter
- No record of the belt ever being changed on an older or higher-mileage car
Use the right oil
This matters more on a wet belt engine than almost anywhere else. Ford's handbook for the 1.0 EcoBoost specifies 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C948-B. Newer engines can call for a different spec, so we always check against your car. Oil that doesn't meet the spec, or oil left in too long, can speed up belt wear. At every service we use the oil your engine is meant to have.
When should it be changed?
Check your service schedule, or ask Russ. He can look up your engine from the registration and look at your service history. If you've bought a used Ford and there's no record of the belt being done, it's worth getting it checked.
What the job involves
- New timing belt (wet belt) and tensioner, using genuine parts, fitted to Ford's procedure with the correct locking tools
- Inspecting the oil pump pickup and strainer, and cleaning out belt debris from the pickup and sump where needed
- Fresh engine oil to the correct spec and a new oil filter
- Checking for stored fault codes and a test drive before it goes back to you
If we find more than expected once it's apart, for example a badly blocked pickup, we'll stop and call you before doing anything extra. You'll get a quote before we start.
All work carried out with warranty on parts and labour.
Got a Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Vauxhall with the 1.2 PureTech? That has a wet belt too. See PureTech wet belt replacement.
RPM Autocare is an independent garage and is not affiliated with or approved by Ford.
Questions we get asked
How do I know if my Ford has a wet belt?
Most 1.0 EcoBoost engines do, and so does the 2017-on 1.1 Fiesta. But it depends on the exact engine. Call Russ with your registration and he'll tell you.
Can I just keep changing the oil instead?
Regular oil changes with the right oil help the belt last, but they don't stop it wearing. Eventually it needs replacing.
My oil light came on and went off again. Is it OK?
Treat it as a warning, not a one-off. Stop driving it and call us. A flickering oil pressure light on these engines can be the first sign of a blocked pickup.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the engine and what we find. Drop us a message with your reg for a free, no-obligation quote. There's no VAT to add, as we're not VAT registered.
How soon can you do it?
We can normally get you booked in within 2 days. If the oil light has come on, don't drive it. Call Russ and we'll talk through the best way to get it to us.
Book your wet belt change
Message Russ with your reg for a free, no-obligation quote. We can normally get you booked in within 2 days.