Timing belt question

[bigdeano88]

I know I haven't been able to drive my 951 for several months but I've got a question for all of you who have been putting on the miles. Is it worth it to do your own timing belt changes taking into account time and cost of the "special" tools that you need to purchase in order to do the change/tighten on your own? Also for those of you who do change the timing belt yourselves, how long does it take you start to finish?

[nynor]

totally worth it.

time depends on what else needs replacing. replacing rollers and such adds a lot of time. its nice to check the health of all of them. if any of the rollers feel at all like a roller-skate wheel, or spin absolutely freely, they need to be replaced.

if its just the belts, a couple of hours, start to finish and taking my sweet time with a beer or two between steps.

[aj951]

It is definitely worth it to me. I have only done it once and it took me about 6 Hrs. That was just changing the timing belt, balance belt, and rollers.

A.J.

[speedracing944]

You should list your location. If you are around Wisconsin I host a timing belt party in spring and fall. Many944s does as well. There may be a Pelican in your area who can give you a hand if you need help.

I think it is worth doing yourself. I have done some timing belts on car that were taken into the shop and the belts were 2X as tight as they should of been. Just because you pay a shop to do it doesn't mean it will be done correctly.

I wouldn't bother with the Kriket tool. Junk IMO. I have heard good things about the Arnnworx tool. I personaly own a P9201 and see it as an investment which I can sell for about the same price I payed for it if I ever decide to get out of 944s.

I have met and made friends with lots of folks from Pelican because of the timing belt tensioning parties.

www.clarks-garage.com has a good write up on timing belt replacement which I use as a guide.

Speedy

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If you want to pay someone to do your timing belts, you must enjoy lighting money on fire.

It's very easy, inexpensive and you'll learn a lot about the car (and dispel a lot of the mysticism about it that shops are so eager to prey upon to line their pockets).

If you have anxiety about your "first time", then host a timing belt party. Often for the price of parts, a few pizzas and some beer you can get a host of local 944/951 guys to show up and help out!

[bigdeano88]

That answers that question for me! Thanks guys!

[nize]

also, keep in mind having the tools handy will allow you to check the tension easily and frequently. without having to pay someone else every time.

check the belt tension tool kit by bruce arnn, it's what i use and i've never regretted buying it;
http://www.arnnworx.com/

[speedracing944]

I just watched the arnnworx vid on his new and improved timing belt tensioning gauge and it looks nice and simple. At the price he is selling it for it would be a no brainer.

About 4-5 years ago i bought Bruce's thin wrenches and he was great to deal with. I am glad to see he is continuing to offer solutions to the otherwise expensive Porsche tools.

Speedy