13/09/2026
⚠️ WETBELT UPDATE! ⚠️
Following on from our earlier post about the 2017 Ford Transit with 130,000 miles on its original wetbelt… we’ve now got it stripped down, and the customer may have caught this one just in time! 😬
Surprisingly, the wetbelt itself wasn’t quite as bad as we were expecting considering the age and mileage — but the warning signs of deterioration were definitely there.
🔧 What did we find?
➡️ Belt debris starting to collect in the oil pickup strainer
➡️ A small amount of belt debris present in the vacuum pump
➡️ The belt itself showing clear signs of delamination and deterioration
Although it hadn't failed yet, the deterioration process had already started.
The big question is… how much longer would it have lasted? 🤔
Another 10,000 miles?
Another 1,000 miles?
Or could it have failed next week?
Unfortunately, once a wetbelt begins breaking down, debris can contaminate the engine oil system and restrict the oil pickup. If left long enough, the consequences can become far more expensive than replacing the belt as preventative maintenance.
This customer made the right decision getting it replaced when they did. ✅
At 130,000 miles on the original belt, we'd say they've certainly had their money's worth out of this one!
⚠️ If you own a Ford Transit or Transit Custom with a wetbelt and you're unsure of its condition or replacement history, don't leave it until the warning signs turn into engine damage.