Timing Belt Wear

[Captain Ficho]

I took my timing belt cover off today and it looks fine except there is a long crack straight down the middle of it, do you think it is urgent for me to replace it? That said, I don't really have the money to do it right now but if it is at risk of snapping then I'll just get it over with.

[R Dubya]

my magic 8 ball says "yes".

 

It would be a good idea, being without a car for a few days is better than being stranded any day of the week.

[GP1138]

I took my timing belt cover off today and it looks fine except there is a long crack straight down the middle of it, do you think it is urgent for me to replace it? That said, I don't really have the money to do it right now but if it is at risk of snapping then I'll just get it over with.

 

Down the entire length of the belt? I'd replace it ASAP. Sounds like it's about to split in half like they like to do.

[Captain Ficho]

Yeah, it runs down most of it. I suppose I better get on it then.

[shadow]

Is your engine and interference motor? yeah breaking down in the middle of nowwhere sucks better safe than sorry but then again I understand if its a money thing right now.

[Psych0matt]

around $500 to have someone do it, give or take, if you can find someone willing. I did mine a few times no problem using the factory marks, but when I swapped engines I had to take it in after some other things broke

[5speedz34]

How bad is the crack? I would look at the amount of teeth and the wear on the side of the belt.

 

If it is a small crack that isn't deep it could just be stress on the belt itself.

[White93z34]

A picture would be awesome, I have never heard of them doing that but if it breaks apart it could be a large problem.

 

Crazy as it sounds I actually don't mind doing that job. I should price out the parts and start doing it for locals

[Captain Ficho]

The 3.4L DOHC is a non-interference engine, isn't it? That way I can maybe get another few days out of my car until I change the belt.

[shadow]

The 3.4L DOHC is a non-interference engine, isn't it? That way I can maybe get another few days out of my car until I change the belt.

 

 

Cool then just don't take any long far trips.

[5speedz34]

Like White93 said, get us pics.

[ismellrealbad]

certain years were interference. I think 94 and up were but dont quote me

[Psych0matt]

snapped my timing belt at 70+ mph (probably closer to 80-85), no problems there

[5speedz34]

96+ is supposed to be interference.

 

I've always heard its kinda luck of the draw, for all years. I mean we are talking thousandths of an inch.

[Captain Ficho]

 

Now there are two cracks, the less visible one in the middle was the first one and now there is another that runs parallel for the length of the belt. I would've taken the cover off but I drove 15 miles today and the engine is still hot.

[Psych0matt]

ummm, that's not the timing belt?

[jeremy]

ummm, that's not the timing belt?

:smilielol::smilielol::smilielol:

[BXX]

All I see is a bad serpentine belt..

[GP1138]

LOL - oops.

[Psych0matt]

Wow, if this is really the mistake I think it is... Wow.

 

 

Edit: I was a n00b once, I'll let it slide this time. Don't let it happen again.

 

 

 

$20 for a new belt, $5 for an 18mm wrench if you don't have one, 5 minutes tops to replace, and that's if you have no arms.

[5speedz34]

LOL>

[White93z34]

the timing belt lives under the black cover in front of the steering pump

[Captain Ficho]

I just assumed it was the same because the cover was being a bitch and refusing to come off. Rofl, I fail.

 

In my defense, the only other car I've ever worked on was a timing chain car. Regardless, I feel stupid.

[slick]

You = fail. And since you did that, you must sell me your GN for $500.

[Captain Ficho]

Tack on another ,000 to the end of that figure and you got yourself a deal. We all have to learn at some point, at least you can sleep at night knowing that I won't be making that mistake again.