Timing belt - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

buckster61 · 04-03-2008, 11:51 AM

I have a 94 SL that I take pretty good care of, including following closely the scheduled maintenance programs outlined in shop manuals and owner's manual. Recently this happened to me and I pass it on to you all for what it might be worth. Driving home I heard a loud squeal from up front, followed by a sudden engine stoppage. Upon popping the hood I noticed a small curl of blue smoke coming from the timing belt cover. After having car towed to local shop, they discovered that the shaft for the timing belt tensioner pulley had failed, resulting in timing belt breakage. Total damage - about $3500, and included all new intake and exhaust valves and related work, both heads rebuilt, new pistons and timing shafts as well as the routine stuff normally done for timing belt replacement. I had about 40 k on this belt, not due for change until the next 60 k roll around. Mechs said they have never heard of or seen a tensioner pulley go. Suggest when you have your belts changed, both timing and alternator/air conditioner you have the mechs also inspect the respective tensioner pullleys. Anyone else ever have this problem? Thanks, Buck

gmr_3kgt · 04-22-2008, 01:08 AM

I had a timing belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, water pump, and the other two belts put on in December. I drove it for a couple hundred miles through December and January and heard a whining noise coming from mine. It ran until I took it out of gear then it died and wouldn't start. I tried to start it and it knocked and shook the whole motor. I had to towed to a mechanic's house and the bolt to the tensioner arm broke in the motor. I think my valves are bent too so I guess I'm in the same situation. Did you already get that stuff done? If not you'll probably be better off getting a new motor. I got a quote from one company for $4k and from another for $3k, both with 3yr warranties. Also, since my timing belt came off, do you know if it is likely that I will have to have new pistons too?

speedy25 · 04-26-2008, 08:10 PM

Funny, I have always seen the TB pulleys mentioned as part of timing belt maintenance. I guess you just proved it.

-SP

04-03-2008, 11:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
buckster61 New User - Please be kind Join Date: Jan 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Timing belt I have a 94 SL that I take pretty good care of, including following closely the scheduled maintenance programs outlined in shop manuals and owner's manual. Recently this happened to me and I pass it on to you all for what it might be worth. Driving home I heard a loud squeal from up front, followed by a sudden engine stoppage. Upon popping the hood I noticed a small curl of blue smoke coming from the timing belt cover. After having car towed to local shop, they discovered that the shaft for the timing belt tensioner pulley had failed, resulting in timing belt breakage. Total damage - about $3500, and included all new intake and exhaust valves and related work, both heads rebuilt, new pistons and timing shafts as well as the routine stuff normally done for timing belt replacement. I had about 40 k on this belt, not due for change until the next 60 k roll around. Mechs said they have never heard of or seen a tensioner pulley go. Suggest when you have your belts changed, both timing and alternator/air conditioner you have the mechs also inspect the respective tensioner pullleys. Anyone else ever have this problem? Thanks, Buck

04-22-2008, 01:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
gmr_3kgt New User - Please be kind Join Date: Apr 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Timing belt I had a timing belt, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, water pump, and the other two belts put on in December. I drove it for a couple hundred miles through December and January and heard a whining noise coming from mine. It ran until I took it out of gear then it died and wouldn't start. I tried to start it and it knocked and shook the whole motor. I had to towed to a mechanic's house and the bolt to the tensioner arm broke in the motor. I think my valves are bent too so I guess I'm in the same situation. Did you already get that stuff done? If not you'll probably be better off getting a new motor. I got a quote from one company for $4k and from another for $3k, both with 3yr warranties. Also, since my timing belt came off, do you know if it is likely that I will have to have new pistons too?

04-26-2008, 08:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
speedy25 Cant get there from here! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NE oHIo Drives: Various Japanese Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Timing belt Funny, I have always seen the TB pulleys mentioned as part of timing belt maintenance. I guess you just proved it. -SP __________________ One of 789

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