1997 850 Timing belt

Post by **HareBall** » 02 Jun 2008, 07:41

It is time to change out my timing belt and was wondering where to get the best price for a kit.
I looked at IPD and theirs is ~$228.00.
Also, is their cam locking tool any good? It is $24.95.

phunkdeefied · Post by **phunkdeefied** » 02 Jun 2008, 13:09

I would like to add a question to this post....
Has anyone watched the DVD ipd sells on timing belt replacement? I wonder if it would help a "new timing belt replacer guy" like me?

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 02 Jun 2008, 13:12

Are you sure you need to replace the tensioner and follower bearings?

If 'yes', then the kit is probably not a bad deal (although I'd comparison shop against FCP Groton).

I did mine at 70K miles, just the belt. I'll probably do it again at 140K with just the belt unless I feel or hear any issues with the bearings. I'd be more inclined to put the money into a preemptive change out of the water pump rather than the tensioner, etc. If you follow the compression directions very carefully on the tensioner it is pretty hard to break. If it looks like it's leaking hydro fluid, then it needs to be changed.

I substitute a $0.99 bottle of "white out" to mark the cam positions, instead of using a cam locking tool

-Chuck

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Jun 2008, 14:54

Do the belt every 70K miles and EVERYTHING else at 140K or every other change...that means Serp. Belt and it's tensioner too along with all replaceable parts that the T.B. comes in contact with, including the water pump. I would shop FCPG. as well as eeuroparts.com Shipping is free on orders of $39 or more from Eeuro.

Btw, Larry, I have the Cam locking tool and found it to be extremely helpful. You are more than welcome to borrow it- so no need to buy it. Let me know when you're ready to do this. I'd be glad to come over and help as well.

To answer the other question....I understand that the DVD is good but with all the write-up's here, you really don't need it.

Post by **HareBall** » 02 Jun 2008, 16:29

Thanx David,
I'll take you up on that as soon as I get ready to do it I'll call you.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Jun 2008, 16:47

chuckcintron wrote:Are you sure you need to replace the tensioner and follower bearings?

If 'yes', then the kit is probably not a bad deal (although I'd comparison shop against FCP Groton).

I did mine at 70K miles, just the belt. I'll probably do it again at 140K with just the belt unless I feel or hear any issues with the bearings. I'd be more inclined to put the money into a preemptive change out of the water pump rather than the tensioner, etc. If you follow the compression directions very carefully on the tensioner it is pretty hard to break. If it looks like it's leaking hydro fluid, then it needs to be changed.

I substitute a $0.99 bottle of "white out" to mark the cam positions, instead of using a cam locking tool

-Chuck

Allow me to tell you TWO recent stories about the TENSIONER breaking and wiping out two engines because the owner was too cheap not to replace the tensioner.
It depend which tensioner you have but personally I wouldn't risk a $2500 bill for $70 bucks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Jun 2008, 17:16

I wouldn't risk a $2500 bill for $70 bucks

Where do you get one for $70.00? I think I paid over $100.00 for the last one I bought. I just replaced the belt and nothing else on the Platinum as a stop gap since the belt was 7 years old and unknown miles. I really need to do the whole 140K service on it and a 30% savings on the tensioner would be a great deal.

...Lee

Post by **JRL** » 02 Jun 2008, 18:16

Ozark Lee wrote:
I wouldn't risk a $2500 bill for $70 bucks
Where do you get one for $70.00? I think I paid over $100.00 for the last one I bought. I just replaced the belt and nothing else on the Platinum as a stop gap since the belt was 7 years old and unknown miles. I really need to do the whole 140K service on it and a 30% savings on the tensioner would be a great deal.

...Lee

Mechanical tensioner costs me about 60 and the hydraulic about 90.
If it cost $250 will you really want to risk an engine over that?

Post by **HareBall** » 04 Jun 2008, 21:40

Bought the kit from IPD today. Should be here in about a week.

David - I will probably be calling you in about a week. I plan on doing it the following weekend after I receive it.
Thanx in advance.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jun 2008, 21:42

I'll be out in Farragut tomorrow and could drop it by on my way home. I don't know when I would be getting out that way anytime after that.