Timing belt

Post by **mom** » 12 Jul 2006, 07:44

My timing belt has 12k miles on it, I changed it 2 years ago at a local indy.
Last month I flushed my engine coolant and replaced the thermostat while I was at it. I had to remove the timing belt cover to get it done. I started my engine to look for leaks and my timing belt was sliding from left to right on the cam gears, about 1/8 of inch.No signs of premature wear on the belt, I'm wondering if I should worry about that. The belt is not genuine as I expected and they changed the belt only.
Any thoughts ?

Alain.

Post by **pfeener** » 12 Jul 2006, 08:48

You didn't say how many total miles are on the car, but if you only put 12K on in 2 years I'll assume you have low mileage. (under or around 100K) The change interval on your belt is 105K miles or every 6-7 years regardless of milage. Your car is equiped with a mechanical belt tensioner which MUST (read that "must", it won't go 2 belt changes without coming apart) be changed with every belt. If the tensioner wasn't changed with the belt it may be in the process of coming apart or the belt could just be tracking a little off which is no big deal.

The big deal here is the tensioner. If the tensioner breaks, the belt will come off and the valves and pistons will hit distroying the head. About $4000 to repair.

aldug · Post by **aldug** » 12 Jul 2006, 10:22

For the 98 V70 where the timing belt change interval is 70k, the tensioner does not need to be replaced until 140k, correct?

Post by **mom** » 12 Jul 2006, 12:21

OK,
I got to a local indy(not the same one), They had a look at the belt and nothing is wrong with any of the pulleys. They told me that it was normal, sometimes the belts are not cut perfectly (like a rubber band if you look closely) the play was 1/16 of inch BTW, not 1/8.
Thanks for the replies, better double check than 4000$ out of pocket.
I'm going on a long trip in Gaspesia this week with my car.
Alain.

Post by **pfeener** » 12 Jul 2006, 12:21

It depends; 98 was a crossover year for the tensioner. If you have the hydraulic tensioner it will usually go for 2 belt changes or 140K. You should just keep an eye on it for any leaks, but it's generally accepted it will go for 2 belt changes. The mechanical tensioner is a whole different animal. It has to be changed at the 70K interval. Pushing it to 140K is very dangerous. Theoreticaly you could change the belt at 70K and the tensioner at 105K and replace 3 belts and 2 tensioners in 210K miles.