Long criticized for its reliability problems, the 1.2 PureTech engine from the Stellantis group, despite its name change to Turbo 100, continues to make headlines. But this time, it's not for a new controversy, but rather for an alternative solution that could well interest many owners: a kit that allows the famous «oil-bath» timing belt to be replaced by a chain.
A well-known weakness of the first generations
The first generations of the PureTech engine, notably produced between 2014 and 2017, have accumulated criticism. At issue was a timing belt immersed in engine oil, which was supposed to reduce friction and improve efficiency. On paper, the idea was attractive. In reality, it has often resulted in premature damage. The belt can crack, disintegrate or swell, leaving residues in the oil circuit. The result: a clogged strainer, poor lubrication and, in the most serious cases, engine failure. A problem common enough to affect the resale value of vehicles fitted with this engine.
A conversion to the channel to turn the page
To deal with this situation, a specialist company, Pro Chain, now offers a radical solution: convert the timing system to a chain. In concrete terms, it's a complete kit that replaces the belt with a timing chain, reputed to be more robust and durable. The kit includes all the necessary components: chain, sprockets, guides, tensioner and even a suitable oil supply line. The whole package has been designed as a «plug and play» solution, i.e. without any major engine modifications. Another important point is that the installation process is similar to that of a conventional belt replacement, making it easier for professionals to do the job.
Two kits depending on engine type
Not all PureTech engines are the same, and Pro Chain takes this into account. The company offers two versions of its kit: one for naturally-aspirated engines and another for turbocharged engines. This distinction is essential, as turbocharged versions present significant mechanical differences. Each kit is therefore specifically adapted to the characteristics of each configuration, with compatibilities defined according to the engine codes (such as EB2, EB2DT, etc.) found in the technical documentation or VIN number.
Solution reserved for professionals
Please note, however, that this solution is not directly accessible to the general public. The kit is intended for automotive professionals only. In concrete terms, garages and mechanics must order it, then offer the conversion to their customers. Another point to bear in mind: the kit is currently on pre-order, with the first deliveries expected in the second half of 2026. The quantities announced are limited, indicating a gradual launch.
The kit is priced at between 830 and 950 euros, excluding labor. Once installation is taken into account, the bill will easily exceed 1,000 euros. A cost that may seem high, but should be put into perspective. A standard belt replacement already costs around 500 euros, not counting any ancillary problems. Over time, and with several interventions, conversion to a chain can therefore prove profitable.
Beyond the financial aspect, this transformation could also reassure future buyers when it comes to resale. A chain-converted PureTech engine could inspire more confidence than one still fitted with its original belt.
With the third-generation PureTech engine, Stellantis seems to have corrected many of the problems. But for older models still on the road, this alternative solution comes at just the right time. It's unlikely to make the debate surrounding this engine disappear altogether, the Next solution at least offers a concrete way out for the most worried owners. An initiative that could well find its audience, especially if the initial feedback proves positive.
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Nonsense ... Sorry. The belt is not the real problem once you take into account that you just have to change it every 80000 km ... like in the old days other belt-driven engines. Oil consumption is the real black spot with no solution.
Except that at 50,000km, many of these engines give up the ghost, so it's hard to reach 80,000km. That's why Honda quickly stopped costs, but Ford is going through the same ordeal.
I'd be curious to see the maintenance logs of the engines involved!
Customers have received amendments to the overhaul protocol during manufacturer overhauls, to the financial detriment of heux
Except that some customers base their purchasing decisions on the frequency of servicing.
My 2008 has always been serviced in the Peugeot garage where I bought it new. This didn't prevent a belt change at 100,000kms.
100,000 kms? But how lucky you were! With my Opel Corsa, the belt gave up the ghost at 40000 kms for its 5 years! It had been serviced every 10,000 km. The engine oil was still perfect at every oil change! I will regret this purchase for the rest of my life.
Fresno, As a general rule we recommend 100,000km or 5 years..... so 80,000km for 4 years...
The belt deteriorates over time, so if you reduce the number of km you must also reduce the duration. Hence the fact that it broke after 5 years...
Hans
The belt causes a series of «chain» problems, and not just the chain.
So eliminating the problem at source doesn't seem like a bad idea to me.
On the other hand, the application on a «used» engine ....?????
That's the theory!?
Yes, and the same goes for my Opel Corsa. Personally, I'd try this adaptation. It's more or less the price of the belt alone if the engine hasn't been taken out of service. With the aim of reselling it very, very quickly!
Nonsense!
The problem is that the belt is immersed in oil, which is unnatural! Rubber in hot oil is bound to degrade!
Conventional engine belt up to 150,000 km, no problem.
Lo que degrada la correa no es el aceite. Son los combustibles que se filtran
The belt is the problem. Its deterioration due to being in an oil bath is heresy. What's more, the manufacturer recommends changing the belt every 120,000 kms. In reality, it will have worn out long before that (between 60,000 and 100,000 depending on driving style), and so will the engine. A good chain and you're set for life.
Das glaube ich nicht, Ich habe einen Alfa Romeo tonale 1.5 Liter und da ist die Steuerkette nach 76000km im Eimer und ich hatte anscheinend noch Glück bei anderen Alfa Fahrern ist die Steuerkette schon unter 50000km hinüber.Das Problem ist meiner Meinung nach das Start Stop System (viel größere Belastung)
There are two big problems with Puretechs. The first is the belt, which disintegrates between 50 and 100,000 kms. The second is the segmentation (especially the wiper seal), which calcifies and consumes a lot of oil. I had both on my 2017 2008. After an arduous battle, Peugeot changed the belt and descaled the engine under warranty! Conclusion: don't let it happen to you, fight with Peugeot! Sincerely
Change the belt every 80,000 kms? That would be in a better world! Personally, I have a 5-year-old Corsa, which consumes a lot of oil. It was recalled the 1st year for a carburation problem. It was serviced every 10,000 kms, which is a shame, as the oil was always perfect, and the timing belt broke at 40,000 kms. So, no, I don't consider myself lucky.
I have no problems (no oil consumption at all) with the rubber belt.
I've changed it «every 6 years» as recommended to keep the warranty. With regular maintenance and the right oil, I think I'll be able to get it «between the drops».
My C5 2023 came back to the old belt (100000km) and 200000 with the pulley and tensioner, plus new oil, good 98 petrol, at 27000 euro, reliable Peugeot had to switch to hybrid, auto gearbox, extra battery and since when is a chain reliable on a 3 cylinder? t roc,s roc are they not quickly back to the belt? victims therefore of a good idea, popular, a maintenance and forecast left to the good fortune of users, and punitive ecology that traces its path,
What's all this punitive ecology nonsense? A fine invention of the ignorant. Surely you're a fan of a nuclear power station in your garden... By the way, renewables already far, far outstrip nuclear power and there are electric cars without oil changes or belts 😁
Bah in my opinion, change the belt every 80 000 is about honest but the consumption exercise engine oil, 1 l per 1000 km or so poses a problem because these imbrule it settles well somewhere because the vehicle does not smoke at the elevation, mysterious, more stelantis does not speak in any case of manufacturer warranties due to obvious manufacturing errors.
My solution is to buy a Toyota and have my C4 taken back after 30,000 km.
Raz le bol. Slélentis is synonymous with incompetents
Unburned fuel is deposited in the catalytic converter.
Silly question: but what about homologation and pollution, since we're still modifying part of the engine?.
Hello, I have a C4 Picasso December 2016 87000kms I have never had a problem with the belt and oil consumption . very well maintained I changed the belt at 60000kms for precaution for now I am very satisfied with this car ...
Ik heb een Opel Corsa F 1.2 100 pk automaat Gs Line uit 2021.
Met 73.000 km ik heb wel bij 60.000 km de distrubutieriem laten vervangen .
Dit is wel de 2e generatie Puretech en heb geen olie verbruik bij deze motor.
En nog steeds erg tevreden met deze auto.
Belt degradation is a consequence of the segmentation problem. Fitting a chain will prevent belt degradation, but not excessive oil consumption, the passage of petrol through the oil, etc. etc.
Hello,
I'm not sure that this will solve the problem of segmentation and oil consumption...
If there have never been any problems with the vehicle, I think it's a good solution, but otherwise it's just throwing money out the window.
Hello,
I have a 208 puretech engine from 09/2017. Since 2019, I have to add oil every 1000km. No leaks. So I'm still wondering where this oil goes? Belt changed at 80000 km in a Peugeot garage. Maintenance carried out by the garage while it was under warranty, then by my husband, so no compensation from Peugeot. Hopefully I won't suffer any engine damage. As for switching to a chain at the next belt change, why not.
Oil consumption is due to faulty segmentation. Peugeot is aware of this problem and should be able to offer you a treatment to decalamine the segmentation. Sincerely
Bonjour j'ai eu c3 aircross même problème 80 000 km c'est la segmentation et les chemises de mauvaise qualité ( retraité PSA ) c'est triste après 2020 a voir sur ma C4 130ch en LOA à suivre🚗
I have a c4 2022 8 speed I changed
The belt at 60000.i have no problem I am very happy thank you
the dealer of the brand citroën normally it must take care of the expenses to replace the belt of engine pure tech, it advises you to make change the belt has 50 000km instead of 80 000km logically the expenses must that the dealer which must take care it it is recognized like a defect of origin I await your opinion
I've got a 2020 C5 AIRCROSS and the dealer changed the timing gear at 48,000kms under warranty, so I didn't pay a cent.
I have a 2016 c1 purtech engine that has 200,000 km zero problems and also a 208 100ch 1.2 purtech that 120000 k. Also zero problems and yet I don't amuse them!!!! Just service when needed and put the right oil.
Hello. Me too C1 puretech of 2028 82cv. No worries, belt changed at 80000 kms. No oil consumption between 2 oil changes of 20000 kms!
What about the segmentation problem? Which is the engine's main problem!!! We'll have to fix that at the same time!
Ho una Peugeot 208 anno 2015 benzina comprata con 150000 km ogni 200 /300 km devo rabboccare più di mezzo litro di olio non ne posso più
The problem isn't the belt in the oil, but its degradation over time as the fuel gradually migrates into the oil. There are segmentation kits to reduce this exchange. Otherwise, all you need to do is carry out maintenance in good time and, above all, use certified oil, as it contains fuel dispersants to protect the belt. Of course, if maintenance is carried out anywhere, the risk increases.
Peugeot puretech 1.2 bio being since 2 years no problem year 2019
Marie Odile May 1 and 2026 I also like you a puretech engine on my C3 that consumes oil. Now I have the orange engine light on. It comes from the very complicated catalytic converter. .
The real periodicity of replacement of the belt is 6 years 100000km and the chain will not correct all the defects like clogging of the valves in short blablabla.
I worked in an official Peugeot garage and the group does not authorize the purchase of spare parts from outside the Stellantis group for the repair and maintenance of cars, on pain of sanctions that can go as far as the withdrawal of the official brand name. The problem of a deteriorating belt is taken at 100% at the manufacturer's expense if it is noticed during maintenance and if these are done on time according to the prescriptions and this up to 10 years or 180000km. Even if this kit is interesting, I'd like to see its long-term benefits.
Hello, can you please send me who sells the chain kit for pure tech 1,2 engine?
Hello. I have a 208 gt line engine 110. From 2017. Maintenance done at Peugeot every year. I now average 10000kms. I changed the belt at 57000kms. It has now, 74500kms., I cross, the fingers, I have nothing strange for the moment. It works. However, I also make short trips, I put 98 in it. I always do. Is this the remedy? .....
Hello, yes, the 98 does a lot!
Hello, I too had an Opel puretech 2019, at the purchase belt to do every 180000km with oil 0w30, at the first oil change, the speech changes it's every 100000, at the second oil change it's every 80000, with oil 5w30, the garage recommends me to do it at 60000 it's better, Hello the budget, I sold it at a loss to take back a diesel dv5 from PSA and guess, what I learn...
Hello,
I myself have a 2019 berlingot.
Now I'm in the Var, who could tell me which serious garage I could visit?
Because for the first time, I have to change my timing belt.
Thanks for anyone who can honestly point me in the right direction.
answer
Bij aankoop van peugeot ocasie 2017 5008 12 pure tech. . begon motor lampje te branden , bij garage onderzoek nokkenassen buiten tolerantie ,,resultaat !!! Nieuwe Cilindercop + nokkenassen die verbrand waren , het zal je maar wezen van een vorige eigenaar die het niet belangrijk vond om olie bij te vullen de reparatie h me een bom geld gekost desondanks rij ik dol graag met deze auto