951Badger

Not sure if this is a silly question but thought I'd ask anyway...

If a timing belt is ready to break, can aggressive driving cause it to go sooner than tame driving? Or does it matter.

Just curious...

Dave

If it's about to break, it's gonna go no matter what. Higher RPM might gererate more heat which can't help and the belt is under more stress when accelerating and decelerating than it is when at a constant speed so agressive driving might be a little worse. Either way, why take the chance when a $900 maintanence can prevent a $3000 repair? If the belt is questionable, get it done and don't drive it until it's done.

Peckster

Depends what you mean by aggressive, but high revs would not help.

Why do you ask? Are your belts new?

951Badger

No, the belts I have are actually due to be changed. I'm in the same boat as the other poster who just got his S2 with low miles but a seven year old timing belt. I bought mine with 38,000 miles but original belt.

I'm nervous now. I'm gonna get it done asap and probably have them do the water pump while they're in there. Does anyone have an opinion about that? Change the water pump even if it doesn't need it?

Thanks for the input so far...

Dave

If you have the original belts, I'd have it TOWED to a shop, starting it is like asking for trouble.
If the waterpump NEEDS to be changed, it's probably too late. When the pump goes bad it can take out the belt, that's why we replace them as preventative maintanence. With a turbo you might only be looking at a $1500 head repair (on top of the new belts and pump that you still need if it breaks) but with the S2 the head repair can be twice that much (plus belts, rollers and pump.

adrial

Get the timing and balance belts changed along with a front engine reseal and waterpump change...

Do it once, do it right.

If its really the original belt then it's definetely very close to snapping IMO...towing may sound a little extreme but perhaps better safe than sorry...

Dave

Damn dude!!!! I just noticed that you bought a car that was overdue for belts by 12 YEARS/8000 miles and then put 6000 more miles on it !!! That takes some serious stones!
Since it's still running, I'd say you need to buy some lottery tickets!

951Badger

Actually, they are not the original belts. Sorry 'bout that. But they ARE old belts. Way over due for a change. I'm going to have the work done as soon as I get home (I'm out of town right now). I feel embarrased now. Geez...

GOBOGIE

Hey there Badger, haven't seen you around in a while - how goes it. Dang your car is sweet, I know I said it before but I'm sure you don't get tired of hering that.

As far as the car goes, I'd second the "tow-it" option!!!

Take Care,
Cory

M758

Badger... Is it an Az car? I'd be surpised if they last that long the dry desert.

My folks got a 44k mile 91 928 S4 a couple years back. Great car and even all the belts and hoses were surprisinly good. Of course that was since it was from Michigan.

An Az car that age would have lots of dryed out rubber parts.

Dave951M

Don't start it, do belts, seals, waterpump and rollers. Tow it if you can't do the work yourself, but you're asking for it if you start it up.

gratian

Hey,I run the car till water go to 110 degrees,and then run like this several days(with stops for cooling down).When I take down plastic cover for checking the water pump I notice that WATER PUMP PULLEY GOES BLUE and my timeng belt has 4 mm cut....This means to push your luck...

951Badger

Gobogie...thanks for the welcome back. Been so busy it's been hard to come round here lately.

Nope, the car is from Ohio. Kept in a climate controlled garage. When I bought it Stuttgart Southwest took a look at the belts and said it looked like it was in good shape. No cracking or splitting. HOWEVER...you guys have me skeerd enough to take care of all the belts, pump, etc. I'm not gonna chance it. This car is too pristine to mess with fate.

L8 APEKS

Just because they are due for a change time-wise, doesn't necessarily mean they are in bad condition and ready to break.

Inspect them. They may be just fine to go another 20,000 miles +. I'm not saying to DO that, I'm only saying that there's no justification to panic because the belts have exactly 35,000 miles on them. That doens't mean anything by itself. Sometimes they can last 3x that mileage, other times they won't.

But have 'em checked and chances are you have no reason to stress.

M758

Joe S at Stugartt does know his stuff. If he said they look good they probably are good. Only issue is the if he the belt does go the costs and be VERY high. That is why so many guys get so worried. The climate controled garage is huge in keep the rubber nice.

It won't hurt to do the belts as all it will cost is money and will give you piece of mind.