timing belt?

[kaffine krazed]

How long in months/years before the timing belt should be replaced? The odometer wasn't working when I got the car so I don't know how many miles it's been since it was replaced but I do have the date. Thanks.

[monteness]

45,000 or every 4 years even if you have/find a Viton based belt. Some people stretch it, some do it sooner because bent valves are a pain in the A@#! Rollers and seals are cheap when everything is off the front, replace them too at this time. If you feel comfortable doing it yourself and have the time, you can save some $$$$$. I'm sure that there is variable opinion on this,,but that's the way I keep mine.

Bret

[AMCPorsche924Powerhaus!]

If you don't know, change it. Period.
If it's a 924, then don't even ask! a timing belt on a 924 is a 15 minute job!
10 bucks for a timing belt on a 924!

[ckrough]

I think that the 944 needs a new one every 30k and an adjustment every 15... so:

0 new belt
15000 adjust
30000 new belt
blah blah blah...

[GrtWest@aol.com]

If you do not have evidence (Reciept) change it!
Even if you have reciept, take the top inspection cover off the & make sure there are no oil leaks as I have had a belt fail in a short time from a small main oil leak.
Sure, the previous owner had the belt changed but he did not put in new seals and the belt failed 1 month after my son aquired it.
Lessons learned!

[kaffine krazed]

If the balance shaft belt breaks will any imediate engine damage resault like with the timing belt? Where can I find Viton based belts or how do I tell if it is? Thanks. It was changed 2 years ago but I don't know the milage. Is the Kirkit tool just a standard belt tension gauge or is it made for this applican? I hate timing belts but it can't be as hard as the timing chain on a Northstar V-8 can it?

[Porsche 951 Fanatic]

Well i would be afraid if the balance shaft belt broke that it would get caught in the timing belt and get pulled through the pully and perhaps not only stretch the timing belt but probably kick it off of its roller... or if it is weak it might break it...... I am not sure but if i remember right these belts are within inches of each other......

[Rollins]

The Timing belt on my jetta snapped today. Lucky me... I was sitting in a driveway when it happened so the car was just idling. So only like 2 or three valves got it. But regardless, I am pissed. The damn dealership told me they checked all that ****. After really pressuring them I got them to cover 50% of the bill which is at least something. I am looking at grand total of around 800 so around 400 out of my pocket. Timing belts SUCK!!!

------------------
Former owner of a 85.5 Porsche 944
Currently own a 95 VW Jetta.

[AMCPorsche924Powerhaus!]

Dealer mechanics/specialists need to be spanked and potty trained before they do what they have to do on your car.
They seem to mix up what they have to do in the rest room with what they have to do on the car.
Don't get me into the stories I have seen/heard on my parents' cars.
One of em was when they stripped the engine (spark plug hole). The car had had spark plugs taken out for twenty years (1980) and some dealer specialist stripped it. Why they were changing the spark plugs when they knew the owner could do so himself was also a good indication of them being more like hoes than mechanics. The spark plugs had nothing to do with why the car was in the shop, yet they changed and charged for em. Then the mecahnic denied stripping the engine. If I had ever heard a story of a dealer being good to a customer, I would not have such a harsh opinion on em.

[Tabor]

The timing belt on a 944 is a very easy job (compared to front wheel drive cars and some rear wheel drive cars). Just make sure to remove the fan assembly first.

-Tabor

[wolfrpi]

Rollins - that'll teach you to stray away from your 944! Good luck though...

Erick