Belt replacement every 30K?

e_nough · 02-07-2001, 06:37 AM

In this book, The Porsche 924/944 book it says that Porsche corrected the timing belt failure problem starting in 1985.5 and that the belt need not be replaced every 30K. This book actually says that it should last much much longer.

Can anyone confirm this with some documentation from Porsche?

Link to the book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0854297642/o/qid=981560205/sr=8-1/ref=aps_sr_b_1_1/104-1772028-8531159

Thanks

Guitarsmith · 02-07-2001, 08:18 AM

I do know that if you go to Barnes and Nobles the book is now "924/944/968" by Peter Morgan and has a new cover and some new info on the 968. My copy has a lovely yellow 968 Club Sport on the cover.

What do other manufacturers recommend on timing belt duration??

Obin Robinson · 02-07-2001, 12:05 PM

lots of them are at 30k, my VW is at 60k. many Nissans and Mitsubishis are 30-60k.

Acura/Honda depends on model 30-60k.
Fords depends on model... 30-60k.

obin

Rollins · 02-07-2001, 03:27 PM

Timing belts are cheap, why even try going over 30. It's not worth the risk.

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

Rollins · 02-07-2001, 05:13 PM

Timing belts cost like 20 bucks, how is that expensive? If you can't change it yourself then it's still only like 150-200. It's better to change it early than to wait and risk breaking it.

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

scoober78 · 02-07-2001, 05:22 PM

I think he means if they fail....that whole valve/piston/same space thing...

Erik

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Go the distance....

Rollins · 02-07-2001, 05:33 PM

Yea I think so too. Shaun, I meant switching the belt was cheap. We all know that when the pistons and valves collide it's not cheap or pretty. Did I tell you guys that it happened to my Jetta 2 weeks ago? The dealership covered most of the labor. Still sucked!
-Tim

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

1.2gees · 1.2gees's Garage

The Porsche 924/944 Book, (excellent book, lot's of insight in the design of the cars, a bit boring though) by Peter Morgan says that the latest belts, on a car that has the updates should last "the life of the engine". I don't see a reason why that cannot be true. I've not replaced the alternator/ac/ps belts since I bought the car almost 3 years ago now.

My waterpump's over 30k old (over at least 4 years), and I'm just going to see how much longer they'll live. Maybe going against the current, but my waterpump ain't getting changed anytime soon. (it's an updated turbo pump, which really aren't known to fail. Nor are they wear out items so hey).

Anyway, we shall see... Now if I have to get in there for something, and the belts aren't looking too good (or just during a check-up) then ofcourse I'd change them, but otherwise I doubt it...
Ahmet

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It's all the driver...

lm6y · 02-08-2001, 02:16 PM

My car is still running the ORIGINAL power steering, and A/C - alternator belts, with 120K on the clock, according to my records. I keep forgetting about them! I'll remember them when they break.

And, as far as the records show, it's never had a water pump either. I know for a fact that it's not the updated version. The shop that did my belts last time REALLY wanted another $300 out of my wallet. It wasn't leaking, or running hot, so I kept the $300 and spent it on go-fast goodies.

e_nough · 02-08-2001, 02:35 PM

hey, no problem for a $200 change of the belts, i thought it was like $600, but on second thought that doensnt sound right, $200 is much more reasonable.