iloveporsches

Tonight, after work, I decided it was time to take a look at my timing belt. The dealer didn't have any record of timing belt work, so I had already set aside about $700 for it. I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't going to pay the dealership to replace a brand new belt...

Well, I can say that when I first removed the cover and peaked inside, I couldn't believe what I saw. I shut the cover, waited a second, and looked again. It was true...one of my belts had snapped in half !!! <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

I quickly grabbed my Haynes so I could identify which belt it was, and I was somewhat relieved to learn it was the balance belt. Then I started thinking; the car only vibrate very slightly at idle, and I didn't hear any noise pulling it into the garage. Well, without knowing exactly what happened, I pulled the belt out...in 4 seperate pieces. I literally fell apart in my hand .

So now I know for sure that I have a belt job to look forward to. My questions are

1) Why didn't I notice any (excessive) vibration when I drove it?

and

2) With the balance shaft belt in such bad shape, should I even risk starting the engine again? I can get it towed to the dealer for free by AAA, and I definatly don't want a valve job.

I guess it's my harsh welcome to the 944 world

Deepice

I would not say harsh, I would say lucky.

I would have it towed and have the belts and rollers changed by a good shop.

iloveporsches

While I'm at it, I might as well ask how much to expect to pay at a dealership for the t-belt, b-belt, possibly water pump and possibly rollers (or do those have to be done?).

Mongo

You're really lucky that the broken balance shaft belt didn't bind with the timing belt. A friend of mine snapped his balance shaft belt on the way to Las Vegas. He drove 150 miles before noticing a slight vibration at 1000 rpm when he came to the strip. He went to his friend's and pulled the covers and then finally noticed it. Interesting how fate works...

<img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

tifosiman

[quote]Originally posted by iloveporsches:
<strong>

I guess it's my harsh welcome to the 944 world </strong><hr></blockquote>

Go buy a lottery ticket, because you are incredibly lucky. Most of the time it wraps around the timing belt and takes it with it.

I would say have $800-$1200 ready to spend on getting the work done, have all of that done (rollers,H2O pump, etc) now while it's all apart.

Tifo

PS. I want half of your winnings after you buy your ticket, for suggesting it.... <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

rfuerst

If you can do the job yourself,you can save a ton of money.Belts will run around $30.00 each,waterpump from about $75.00 for rebuilt to around $200.00 for new and whatever the going rate is for new rollers,but I would think total job for aprox. $400.00.This only is if you can do the job yourself.Good luck. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

jim968

Along with belts & rollers, you'll want to get the water pump done. You may also want to get all the front-of-engine seals inspected / done. Much of the labor for both jobs is the same as the t-belt, and both are likely failure points in the near future.

Consider finding a good indie Porsche specialist shop; parts & labor should be cheaper than at the dealership, but do some research on the shop first. If you've no other place to start looking, ask at the counter of a local import / sportscar racing parts place.

Don't forget to budget for getting the belts re-tensioned after 1500-2500 miles.

If the AAA towing is cheap / free, go for it. Better than a wrecked head.

Jim, More coffee!

Edwardo

When I bought my S2, the balance shaft belt was broken. I drove the car around for several days before getting it fixed with no problems except for typical, big-4 cyclinder vibration. (With the balance shafts working correctly, this engine is turbine smooth.) Lack of the balance shafts will not cause immediate damage, but the additional engine vibration is hard on all engine components and will certainly lead to accelerated wear and failures.

iloveporsches

Well, I can't even really drive the car yet (no insurance), so having it apart for a few days doing the belts wouldn't be a problem. However, my lack of experience/ tools might be. I'll read over the procedures, figure out what I need, and then decide if it's realistic for me to do it. Thanks everyone.

993Maineiac

Although the belt and water pump change is not that hard-I'd say in your position with an 83 to have it done. Check for a good shop (usually much less expensive then a dealership) and get the entire setup changed as advised above. If the belt shredded there is a good possibility that the bolts will bind-no sweat for a shop but a PITA for you.

Don't let this get you down, it's routine maintainence. The first drive on a curves in the hills will give all the payback you need.

Welcome to the clan.

Travis - sflraver

when I did mine I replaced the rollers, both belts, all front seals, cap and roter. No water pump yet, havent had a problem with it but I am sure that I will. That list, not including the water pump, should run you no more than $250-$350 if you do it yourself.
Mark everything with that damn yellow paint if you do dig in. TDC all the way. I marked the rollers even though I had the new ones in my hand and knew position didnt matter with them. Mark everything... and you will be fine.

P944forScott

Okay I know all about the belt and waterpump maintenance but what do you guys mean by "rollers"? Are you referring to the belt tension thing? (pardon my lack of mechanical vocabulary) <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Deepice

rollers= plastic looking gears that the belts turn on

Travis - sflraver

never seen a bad roller but they say when they get oil on them they just crack up. better safe than ... valve job.

iloveporsches

I still haven't decided exactly what route, DIY or shop, I'm going to take. I think Monday I'll call a few places, see what kind of prices I'm getting, and then decide.