Step into The Van Doctor’s world of expertise and convenience!

Our team is comprised of skilled Ford Transit specialists, fully mobile and equipped to handle all your commercial vehicle needs. With a wealth of experience in repairing and maintaining Ford commercial vehicles, our technicians are not just highly trained, but also deeply passionate about delivering high quality workmanship.

From detailed diagnostics to essential maintenance such as timing belts, our technicians are well-versed in all aspects of Ford commercial vehicle repair and maintenance. Whether it’s annual servicing, brakes, clutches, suspension, or even advanced diagnostics, we’ve got you covered.

Operating in England and Scotland, our Mobile Service Vehicles bring the workshop to you, ensuring minimal vehicle downtime and maximum convenience. We offer a wide range of services, including VHCs (Vehicle Health Checks) to keep you informed about your vehicle’s condition.

The Van Doctor specialize in the entire Ford Commercial range including Transit, Custom, Connect, Ranger, Courier, and Fiesta – we are your go-to experts for all things Ford. Trust The Van Doctor to keep your commercial vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, wherever you may be.

What is the “wet belt”? The 2.0 Panther engine is the motor inside of a 2016 onwards Transit and Transit Custom, and also the 2.0 Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo. The design and setup of the 2.0 Panther engine’s timing system involve what is known as a “wet belt.” The belt runs in engine oil and connects the engine’s camshafts to the crankshaft via an idler gear, which also connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the crankshaft.

The setup of the timing on the engine is significant to ensure correct operation, as these engines are interference engines, which means when not timed up correctly, or if said belt snaps, catastrophic engine failure occurs.
Ford states the wet belt should be replaced at 100k miles. However, from years of experience working for Ford and completing hundreds of wet belt and engine replacements (due to snapped belts), we recommend the belt be replaced at 60k miles.

There is a well-known recall for this engine by Ford, that being “20b44 Timing Belt Inspection,” and you will be very lucky if your vehicle is on the recall list, as not ALL 2.0 Panther engines are being recalled. If you are one of the lucky ones and they condemn the vehicle for a belt replacement, it may pay you to ask for additional parts to be fitted for a fee while the engine is stripped – keep reading…
The Ford 20b44 Timing Belt Inspection recall requires the technician to remove the oil cap housing and inspect the belt via the oil fill hole. If the vehicle requires a belt, they should also replace the belt tensioner, CHECK the oil strainer (This is what filters the oil as it’s sucked up into the engine’s oil galleries just before it hits the oil filter) and also the sump pan (The bottom of the engine where the oil sits), and they will also replace the engine oil and oil filter. HOWEVER, the oil pump belt does NOT get touched as part of the recall. Again, this is a rubber belt that is run in oil, and if this were to snap too, the oil pump would stop turning, starving the engine of oil, causing your engine to seize!

We have seen engines fail as low as 23K miles due to wet belt failure. If you’re reading this and you have a 2.0 Transit/Custom, and you are unsure at all about any of the above, take our advice and consider our experience with the 2.0 Panther engine, and give us a call!

The Van Doctor Full Timing Belt Service
Parts replaced and Price
Parts Replaced:
Timing Belt
Timing Belt Tensioner
Timing Cover
Crank Shaft Oil Seal
Oil Pump Belt
Oil Strainer
Sump Pan
Water Pump Stretch Belt
5 x Engine Mount Stretch Bolts
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Crankshaft Bolt
Water Jacket Bleed Bold
Coolant
Cleaning of Engine Mounts
VHC

The price for all parts supplied and fitted is £1150.00.

We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and Glasgow, our travel fee of £1.50 per mile is charged one way from Newcastle upon Tyne, or Glasgow (whichever is closest) to your postcode. We travel anywhere in the UK for this timing belt service.

For a quick response, get in touch via WhatsApp 0191 468 2740 for any further questions.