End of the wet belt? A new engine kit allows replacing the belt with a chain and promises to prevent a failure that can seize the Peugeot and Citroën 1.2 PureTech engine after critical wear that clogs the oil pump.

Written by Alisson Ficher

Published on 08/05/2026 at 17:59

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Independent kit promises to replace oil-bathed belt with metal chain in Stellantis 1.2 PureTech engines, target of criticism in Europe for failures linked to lubrication and premature wear that can cause severe engine damage and high-cost repairs.

An independent conversion kit promises to replace the oil-bathed belt of 1.2 PureTech engines with a metal chain, without requiring structural changes to the block and attempting to eliminate one of the most criticized defects of the engine family used by Stellantis in Europe.

Developed by Pro Chain for EB0 and EB2 units applied in Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, and other group brands, the solution has entered pre-sale in the European market, with the first deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2026.

According to the manufacturer, the kit was designed as a complete package for specialized workshops, bringing together chain, gears, guides, tensioner, and its own lubrication line intended to ensure the correct functioning of the new timing system.

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1.2 PureTech engine problems worry Peugeot and Citroën owners

In the engine’s original configuration, the belt operates submerged in the engine oil in a system known as “belt-in-oil”, created to reduce noise, decrease internal friction, and allow for a more compact assembly within the engine bay.

Despite the technical proposal, part of the fleet began to show premature belt wear in severe use situations, especially in frequent urban commutes, a scenario that would accelerate the degradation of the material in constant contact with the lubricant.

Over time, rubber fragments can detach and reach the oil pump’s pick-up strainer, compromising lubrication flow and increasing the risk of high-cost mechanical failures in the assembly.

In more critical situations, oil pressure loss can cause severe engine damage and even complete system seizure, a problem that led European owners to pressure Stellantis for more definitive solutions.

Given the complaints involving previous generations of PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines, Stellantis has adopted a warranty extension policy for certain cases since March 2024, with coverage of up to 10 years or 180,000 kilometers.

Conversion replaces rubber belt with metal chain

Pro Chain’s proposal is to eliminate the belt from the timing system and install a metal chain.

The manufacturer states that the kit was designed for direct application, without block machining or deep engine modifications.

The package includes specific components for the conversion, such as chain, gears, guides, tensioner, and a dedicated oil line.

The presence of this supply is important because the chain also needs adequate lubrication to operate safely.

According to information released by the company, the installation follows a logic similar to traditional belt replacement.

Even so, the service requires a qualified workshop, correct timing tools, and specific knowledge of the PureTech engine.

The conversion was announced in versions for naturally aspirated and turbo engines.

This includes variants of the EB2 family, used in different power ranges and in a wide variety of Stellantis group models in Europe.

Kit price may determine workshop adoption

The adoption of the kit will depend on the final cost for workshops and consumers.

A specialized French publication indicates values between 830 and 950 euros, excluding taxes, for the kit, but Pro Chain had not consolidated widespread international price list disclosure in the consulted material.

The value needs to be compared to the cost of a conventional belt replacement and the risks of a more serious failure.

For many owners, the conversion will only make sense if the price is close to that of recurring maintenance of the original system.

Another point is availability.

The pre-sale targets the European market, and there is no reliable confirmation of official availability in Brazil.

Therefore, owners of Peugeot 208, Citroën C3, and other models with similar engines should not consider the solution as locally available at this time.

Stellantis accelerates shift to chain-driven engines

While independent companies seek alternatives for used fleets, Stellantis has already started adopting updated versions of the 1.2 PureTech with a chain in recent European applications.

The change reduces reliance on the oil-bathed belt in new projects.

This does not, however, resolve the liability of vehicles already sold with the old system.

It is precisely in this gap that the Pro Chain kit attempts to act, offering a more profound mechanical intervention than the simple periodic belt replacement.

In Brazil, the PureTech family appeared in Peugeot and Citroën models, but the application, manufacturing years, and versions need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

There is also no reliable confirmation that the European kit is officially approved, sold, or installed by Brazilian workshops.

The Pro Chain solution emerges as a relevant technical alternative for Europe, but it still depends on price, production scale, workshop acceptance, and real performance after the first installations.

For the owner, the recommendation remains to follow the maintenance plan, use specified oil, and seek professional diagnosis in the event of any lubrication alert.

End of the wet belt? A new engine kit allows replacing the belt with a chain and promises to prevent a failure that can seize the Peugeot and Citroën 1.2 PureTech engine after critical wear that clogs the oil pump.

Independent kit promises to replace oil-bathed belt with metal chain in Stellantis 1.2 PureTech engines, target of criticism in Europe for failures linked to lubrication and premature wear that can cause severe engine damage and high-cost repairs.

1.2 PureTech engine problems worry Peugeot and Citroën owners

Conversion replaces rubber belt with metal chain

Kit price may determine workshop adoption

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End of the wet belt? A new engine kit allows replacing the belt with a chain and promises to prevent a failure that can seize the Peugeot and Citroën 1.2 PureTech engine after critical wear that clogs the oil pump.

Independent kit promises to replace oil-bathed belt with metal chain in Stellantis 1.2 PureTech engines, target of criticism in Europe for failures linked to lubrication and premature wear that can cause severe engine damage and high-cost repairs.

1.2 PureTech engine problems worry Peugeot and Citroën owners

Conversion replaces rubber belt with metal chain

Kit price may determine workshop adoption

Stellantis accelerates shift to chain-driven engines

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