Is it normal for new timing belts to whir?
 

I just replaced the timing belts on my daughters 944. There is a noticable whir sound. Do I need to loosen them, or should it quiet as the belts break in?
I set the tension using the tension gage from 44andmoreparts.com.

Thanks,
Mike

usually means that its too tight. honestly, i dont know a whole lot about this, but i read a forum that states that if a whirring noise is present, the belts are too tight.

good luck

Mine whirrrrr when new.

Just drive it like you normally do ........ then retension at specified interval.

It is hard to tell from the pictures but I think you got the Krikit tension gauge that is made by Gates Rubber. Some people swear by it, however I used it against the P9201 tension tool and got some differences in measured tension. I've got enough friends that will loan me the 9201 tool (costs something on the order of $450) so I just use that. However, if you figured out how to use the Krikit right you are probably pretty close to being right.

The whining is probably due to balance shaft belt being too tight, that is the one that really likes to complain. Could also be the cam belt. It should calm down after it gets broken in, probably 1000 miles.

Official Porche mechanics say this whine is normal, though, I think it is a bit too tight. If the noise isn't too bad I'd let it go and retension at 1200 miles.

Edit: I forgot to mention the most interestin thing about the Gates Kirkit tool. They have a warning not to use it to tension timing (cam shaft) belts. I know this may be a legal move, but if Gates Rubber, one of the biggest belt manufacturers in the world, says don't trust this cheap tool we sell, you got to think twice about what you are doing. Bent valves is not a happy time. :eek:

Thanks for the input.
Yes it is the Gates tool. (I couldn't see spending $450 for a tool, when the whole car only cost $1,000.)

Disposable Porshes. What does dependable day to day transportation really cost.

Whirring may indicate too tight, but whining definitely does. Too tight belts can equal worn out bearings and seals.

It could also be the balance belt idler is touching the belt. That can make a hell of a whirr, almost like a super charger sound. IIRC, it should be .5 mm from the teeth on the belt.

Bent valves is not a happy time[B]Bent valves is not a happy time

Your not kidding! my valves are bent right now

still trying to figure out how to get the stupid cylinder head off to be machined!!

Figuring that out is a right of passage.

My belt whined after I replaced it - I checked both belts with the Porsche tensioning tool 2x, all within specs, still whine, like a small supercharger.
I quitened down after a 1000 or so km's and now after 5000 km's its totally quite. I read in previous discussions that aftermarket belts are prone to do this - mine are aftermarket belts.

LOL. your absolutely right! Alan bolt got stuck between head and block

Mine? Have whine, will travel. Retensioned at specified intervals. Used krikit. I tihnk this'll work fine as long as the belt gets changed every couple of summers so I don't get into aged belt territory.

Your whir should subside after a while unless something's really too tight. Check again at about 5000miles and have a look at all the rollers and tensioners - they may have a story for you.

Hey, SoCal,

I pulled a 944 head this summer. Is this why I'm a Senior Member now? Someone told me it had more to do with socks...

lol. well...if any one has any suggestions, im all ears. i was thinking of just drilling the bolt out

Hey, djkoke18 - try removing the cam gear and the camshaft. May give you some room..or at least the ability to see some more...depending on which bolt is stripped.

Haven't we hijacked this thread?

Sorry, folks.

i did. everything is out. cam, airbox intake,....everything. its just this stupid bolt thats stuck between the head and block...i dont know how to get it out

Can you chisel the head off?

i cut the head of the alan bolt off thinking that the cylinder head should slide right off.....nope! the bolt is bent holding the head and block together