cambelt.
 

i have been told on another forum you have a cambelt when the head gasket is done. is this true ir not. do they need to come off when the head is taking off to be skimmed

Yes, when stripping an engine to have a head gasket fitted or head skim, the belt has to come off as a matter of course. It is prudent to replace it these days, considering how much they cost versus possible costs if the belt lets go for any reason.

When the engine is down you may as well replace it. Saves you paying for the labour twice over.

yeah as above really, you might as well do it now while the engine is in bits anyway

... and it was me that told you that ;)

If the cam belt has been used for more than a couple of thousand miles it should not be put back on, as they stretch slightly.

i know. thanks. i wrote them both at the same time just to see what replys i would get.

thanks for all the other anwsers