sasilverbullet

I know that belt adjust/change intervals have been discussed here ad nauseum over the years...but there's always new folks floating around and this is a very important topic...

Attached pic is with 20K on the belt! Yes, 20K and had been adjusted after 1k and then 10k thereafter.

Word for the wise - new belts, at 1K adjust then adjust every 10K and replace them at 30K miles.

Someone upstairs was definitely looking out for me! Noticed this at the 20k adjustment...

Techno Duck

Atleast it wasnt the timing belt!

Was that an OE type belt or an aftermarket?

testarossa_td

Always a good reminder....

Tom Pultz

Since you have a 968 you might want to read through this thread on the 968 specific list. 968s have a real problem with balance belts, which is why Porsche released the wider belt for the 968 in 1995, which later became the standard belt for all engines. If I were you I would try and check the condition of the stud for the balance belt tensioner per the referenced thread. This just might be your problem.

Changing the cam belt at 30K is overkill, especially on the 968 with the hydraulic tensioner. On my S2 I've run it over 40K with periodic 15K tensionings and it has always looked brand new when changed.

sasilverbullet

On the overkill - The belt change recommendation comes from a p-exclusive shop. They recommend these intervals because even though rare, there are some belts that fail between 30-45K. They've never seen one less than a year old (their other recommendation) under 30k that's been adjusted correctly fail...

I just like to be safe...

Can you help me understand the long write up i just read? So is the bottom line a nut that even though it might be tight still doesn't hold the belt taught? Could you please post a pic to help me?

THANKS!

sasilverbullet

Can you use this pic to show me?

Tom Pultz

Hmmm, maybe the shop just wants to make extra money

Tom Pultz

The double-nutted stud with the red line is the one that is the problem. It fits into a blind hole and is only secured from moving via thread locker, which apparently, on the 968, was done less than stellar, which can allow the stud to back out, which in turn can change the tension. Jim's balance belt had ALL the teeth on one side of the belt worn in 1/2.

azmi951

What brand belts were those? I have heard some brands are better than others. I always buy OE Porsche belts.

KuHL 951

I took a Gates TB belt off at 20K that looked like hell. Never again, OE belts only for me.

BigNNasty

I know they make aftermarket belts, but how come there hasn't been a company to make a stronger belt? That IS more durable, and lasts a lot longer. I know you will still have to do tensioning, but if someone made a better belt then OEM and was considerably more durable and what not, they would make a killin!

Yummybud924

if your belt looked bad after 20 k it probably wasn't becauset gates belt was bad, it could be the sprockets eating the belt (no protective coating).or maybe something else.

what is a "porsdhe' belt. belts are usually conti-tech or gates.

I like the idea of a stronger belt, I'm sure they can make a belt that will not break or strip teeth as easily. also it would be nice if they could make a belt that would not be effected by oil etc getting on it.

KuHL 951

My belt looked bad for no other reason than it was probably overtensioned by the PO when I bought the car. I use the Conti's now and have had no isuues with premature wear on Porsche or BMW's. Serge944 came over for a 944 belt job last Summer with some brand I won't mention here and the teeth weren't even spaced right and it would not even seat on the cam sprocket...there was no way to make that belt work...he got a refund after showing the misfit pics to the supplier. IMO I'm staying away from American aftermarket belts.

Eyal 951

You guys keep saying OE when you mean OEM. OE is Origional Equipment, that means non factory manufacturers. OEM means Origional Equipment Manufacturer.

sasilverbullet

Tom - now the big write-up makes sense! Thanks for the pointer...I can definitely see where that would be a problem.

I will call my shop tomorrow and ask them if they are aware of this issue...

$ - is always the bottom line...I'm sure the shop wants to make some money! But hey, so do I so it all works out if we keep the circle rolling...