timing belt

[minnesota loon]

The belt on my car was replaced at 90,000 miles in 1997. The car now has 113,000 miles. I have owned it for about 6 months. The car has been well maintained. At 106,000 it had a v-belt #7375 replaced and multi rib belt #6pk-1000 replaced. Do I need to worry about the belts yet? Is there a way to check? I don't have much experience with these cars. I have had a 914 for years but drove 944 turbo and loved the speed and handling so now have both. The car is a 1986. thanks John Elliott

[nynor]

let's see, 11 years on a timing belt. no, go ahead and leave it on there. the cylinder head and valve train experience will be good for you.

[mikepellegrini]

I think what Nynor is trying to say is that rubber degrades/oxidizes with time and 11 years is an awful long time for something as critical as a timing belt. It's an interference engine - if the belt breaks you're gonna lose some valves and/or pistons.

I think the max most people will let it go is around 5 years or so on a belt - even if it's below the recommened mileage. Just to play safe.

Belts are cheap - valves and pistons are expensive.

[minnesota loon]

Originally Posted by nynor

let's see, 11 years on a timing belt. no, go ahead and leave it on there. the cylinder head and valve train experience will be good for you.

Jeez,who pissed in your cheerios? hope your car blows up too.

[nynor]

it seems pretty obvious when i put it that way, doesn't it.

as for blowing up, it did. both my '83 and my turbo.

[adrian1]

wow lol.. But yeah get those belts changed asap

[beefey]

Yep, I'm in the same boat... AND from Minnesota too. If your going to have it done maybe we can find some people from around here with the tool and just take care of it on a weekend.

He is right belts are cheap but that tool sure isn't nor is mechanic time which I was quoted $400 labor from carousel motors.

-Beefey

[nize]

think about how cheap that labor is when compared to replacing valves and the headgasket on top of that.

[jmj996]

Originally Posted by nynor

let's see, 11 years on a timing belt. no, go ahead and leave it on there. the cylinder head and valve train experience will be good for you.

-1. Completely unnecessary. Just go away Nynor.

[nynor]

ok, mommy, i'll go to my room now.

be sure and post your progress changing those belts.

[jmj996]

Originally Posted by nynor

ok, mommy, i'll go to my room now.

Good boy. Play nice next time.

[nynor]

i was playing nice. sarcasm and humor doesn't project well over the internet.

the usual reply to such a question is: do a search.

i am curious to see what is in there, after 11 years.

[jmj996]

Originally Posted by nynor

i was playing nice. sarcasm and humor doesn't project well over the internet.

the usual reply to such a question is: do a search.

i am curious to see what is in there, after 11 years.

You're right - or over email (been there). It's fine when exchanged between veteran forum users, but doesn't bode well for newbies. Let's just revise the entire exchange - from the start - out of this thread.

[mikeran]

MY 86 had sat for 2 years without being driven when we checked the tension it was just over .5 although the belts looked ok, the mechanic was amazed it had not caused a problem yet. Better safe than sorry and change it.

[minnesota loon]

I will be getting the belt changed. I will post how it looked after 11 years. Remember I live in minnesota so the car is still in storage. We only have about 7 months a year with out salted roads. Only about 6 weeks to go yippee.

[beefey]

Where are you having the work done? And for how much?

[nynor]

i'd be doing this job myself. peace of mind is priceless.