The C word
The main vulnerability to be aware of with the XU10J4RS engine is it’s appetite for Cambelts. Because the engine is whats known as an interference engine, if the timing belt snaps and the crankshaft turns independently of the camshafts there will almost certainly be internal engine damage. There have been countless occurences of cambelts snapping over the years, and despite Peugeot initially rebutting any problems they lowered the service interval from 72000 miles to 36000 miles. Yet even this interval has proven too long for a few individuals who ended up nursing a damaged engine. The main theory for the cause of the snaps is due to the RS’ heavy valvetrain with double valve springs and a relatively high rev limit putting added strain on the belt. There have been occurences of belt snaps as low as 10,000 miles after being changed, but these tend to be from incorrect fitting or a failure to replace the belt tensioners and/or water pump as the same time as the belt. If a tensioner is excessively worn it can disintegrate, seize and throw the belt. Similarly a worn water pump can also cause the belt to jump, hence why for the relatively low cost it is recommended to replace both when doing a timing belt change. An interval of 30,000 miles or 3 years seems to be a figure that most people feel confident a properly tensioned belt should last.
