Timing belt

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Taggert_LOA

it is a non-interference engine. won't damage the engine if the belt goes. all you will need is a tow. i would get it changed.

Well, sorta... The piston won't hit the valves, but the valves can smack into each other - all depends on how lucky you are.
I have read of folks whose belts broke - I believe all were over 100,000 miles.
Replacing every 60,000 miles is dealer greed.

[tomcruz]

Should have the belt, tensioner, & water pump replaced all together while it's in the shop.

[CREWZIN]

I just hit 85K so will be looking around to see who I want doing the work on mine. I know a couple good shops but I'd rather see which one has dealt with a PT before and compare prices. I'll be waiting till I hit the 100K mark.

[purple04]

The intervals are all over the place. Here are the reasons;
60K=this was the standard for timing belts for years. It was a better safe than sorry for most cars. Some would start to break before, but most everything would last longer.
90K=new standard for belts. Chalk it up to better engine design, better belts, and more real world experience. This is when it's a good idea if you prefer maintence to repair.
100+=there are laws that state the Mfgr. must fix/replace stuff that affects emissions for this time. The Mfgr's decided that they would risk letting your timing belt go rather than replace them all. Look in some owner's manuals and you will see different lengths for different states.
Now, on to the question of why fix it if it ain't broke. If you drive until your tire pops, your engine overheats, etc. you can't be told it's wrong. If you are the type that makes sure everything is properly maintained so you aren't stranded, don't pay more for damage caused by failure and like the karma of a properly maintained car, do the service as stated in the book or sooner. It's Your Money.

[weighit]

quote:Originally posted by tomcruz

Should have the belt, tensioner, & water pump replaced all together while it's in the shop.

Just found a shop in town that has done a couple PT's timing belt jobs. He said the same as above, replace all this stuff, but the cost is right at 1 grand, yikes!!!

[Sturdevant]

Here's a how-to from the repair manual.

www.steve.sturdevant.com/TimingBelt.pdf

[bobs turbo pt]

"1 grand, yikes' OUCH 11

[SteelBlueGT]

Kinda makes you wish for a timing chain dont it?? [^]

[CREWZIN]

quote:Originally posted by SteelBlueGT

Kinda makes you wish for a timing chain dont it?? [^]

Still have to change the chain also. Just had mine done in the Vette at 140,000 miles. Also did the water pump. Nothing was wrong but I plan on keeping the Vette for awhile longer and had it changed for preventative measures.

[rszappa1]

Never did understand why they ever went to belts...How many chains have you heard about breaking....Not many....