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Timing Belt

567 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Bios24, 
O
Alright folks wanted to ask the experts some questions

I have a 92 R/T TT

it has just hit 70K and I have not yet had the timing belt changed? had some of the other 60K service
just not the major part of replacing timing belt, tensioner water pump...

so can I wait till I hit about 73K I was wanting to do the service in decemeber

I am planning a long trip for the next week like about 1200 miles

so am I taking a HUGE risk, also have you all driven your RT/TT or vr4- on long trips how do they handle long drives like 8 hours continuous

I NEED URGENT ADVICE
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klamathpro
Dude, I would be cautious. I've heard of some rare and crazy stories like going to 160K without ever changing the timing belt, but I've also heard of them snapping at 70K. It depends on the belt's condition. You may want to check the timing belt yourself for any wear, but I'm not sure how to do that on a TT. Mine has only two bolts on the timing belt cover but I'm an SOHC.

If it looks ok, then only do like 80MPH max and don't be revving too high in the RPMs.

And only use a Mitsu OEM timing belt when you do get it changed, don't skimp out and try to save a few bucks with an aftermarket, 'cause $100 savings now will cost $4000 or more later.
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N
Can you easily check the condition of the timing belt on a DOHC non TT? Previous owner claims it was done, but no receipts. This is something I'd like to check on myself.
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92StealthTT
My water pump went at 80k. So I had the 60k done at 80k. Previous owner said it had been done....right. Anyways, yes, the car will do fine on a long trip. Had mine on a 7+ hour trip to Denver & back a few times. My ass hurt for awhile afterwards though. No problems. Didn't really stop much more than for gas. Checked the fluids & tires every time I filled up. Averaged around 90-100 mph and got 22-24 mpg with the A/C on some of the time.
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L
You can check the condition of the belt anytime. Thier are 2 plastic up looking things on the driverside engine compartment. In total thier are 6-8 bolts for both covers. Take these of and the timing belt is in easy view. Check this belt as you would any other. Look for small cracks, gently twist the belt for play, also seeing if it cracks up when you do this. This is not a sure way to be certain on the condition, you should always have your belts replaced every 60k its just to give you the idea of the condition.
-Jess
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E
WORD OF CAUTION.

When you pop the hood, and prepare to take the socket to the 10MM bolt heads (two on the front timing belt cover) take your TIME!!!

Once you have loosened both bolts, remove them BY HAND carefully. DO NOT DROP THEM.

If you do, you will INCUR MAJOR pain and suffering in getting them out. You CAN NOT START THE CAR if you drop them. If they get caught in your timing belt, and you try to start your car, kiss your heads goodbye.

ALSO, there are small collars that the bolt goes through, in the timing belt cover. On older cars, where plastic of the cover has aged, they are prone to cracking (the plastic) around the steel collar, which makes the collar 'loose' inside the hole that it usually sits in. ANOTHER Word of caution, carefully remove those with a pair of pliers if they seem loose, before lifting the timing belt cover.

This is CRUCIAL stuff if you decide to take the cover off to check the belt. (which, fyi, I would, BEFORE you go on your trip) If you drop either the bolt or collar, and it happens to fall inside, especially on the belt or between the belt and a pulley....... ugh. you dont' even WANT to think about how much your checkbook is going to Ache.

Also, you will most likely only remove the FRONT timing belt cover. On our Turbo engine, getting the rear cover off require removing the rear Turbo's output hard pipe (as it leads to the drivers side intercooler) Plus, the throttle control wire housing are running right through that area. It's a serious pain, so just go with what you see from the front cover area. If you're REALLY worried about belt condition, start the car, let the belt turn a bit, and then stop the car, and look at the belt again. You'll now be looking at a different part of the belt (most likely)

Elton
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I would probably have some one look at the belt condition no matter what. A previous owner of my current car waited to do the 60K tune-up, and the timing belt broke at about 65K. $2000 down the drain, I have all the service records. I would at least pop the top, or have someone else do it, to make sure the belt is in good condition. You don't want to mess with the timing belt, big $$$'s.
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