I just purchased a  2013 1.6tdci with 50k miles, has yearly service stamps but there are no bills or receipts, so I'm not sure if the belt has ever been done, but there is a white mark on the case and the bolts appear to have had some action, my thinking is the previous owner must have had it done at 10 years due to their fastidious approach to having yearly service, they were only doing 3 to 4000 miles per year. I havé no contact with them 

Edited November 12, 2025Nov 12 by wiganfocus
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Is that white mark there from the factory by any chance?

Does anyone have an opinion on this?

 

Those sort of marks can be found in many locations on the vehicle/engine. They are put on at the factory to indicate that a 'part' or 'bolt' has been inspected/checked for tightness. It is unlikely to me a timing mark. 

If in any doubt play safe and change it.

I don't think this particular one is a factory mark.  I can't remember seeing it before and it also isn't shown on this very comprehensive advert for a used part from the same vehicle.

Ford Focus MK3 1.6 TDCi Engine Cam Rocker Cover 9688939180 | eBay UK

However...my opinion is that I'd never risk catastrophic engine failure based on nothing more than a dab of Tipex.  As above, without any proper evidence of a belt change I would consider this belt original and either change it for peace of mind, or leave it and accept the risk on a lower value vehicle.

21 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

I don't think this particular one is a factory mark.  I can't remember seeing it before and it also isn't shown on this very comprehensive advert for a used part from the same vehicle.

Ford Focus MK3 1.6 TDCi Engine Cam Rocker Cover 9688939180 | eBay UK

However...my opinion is that I'd never risk catastrophic engine failure based on nothing more than a dab of Tipex.  As above, without any proper evidence of a belt change I would consider this belt original and either change it for peace of mind, or leave it and accept the risk on a lower value vehicle.

Thanks, any idea of a ball park figure for belt and water pump change at a UK independent garage?

Around £450 to £500 in my part of the world.

10 minutes ago, unofix said:

Around £450 to £500 in my part of the world.

Agreed.