Evian

Wow! After reading about Big Dave's problems. I went out immediately to check my timing belt. I spent an hour in the garage trying to get both covers off of my timing belt. I was lucky the previous owner changed both the water pump and belt. I never checked to see if what the previous owner told me was true or not. I took his word for it. After reading about Big Dave's problem I was tempted to put my 1980 Euro 928 for sale but considering how much I paid for it ($2,400). I probably won't sell it. If it last me 2-3 years I am ahead of the game. I couldn't rent a sports car like this for a year without paying a lot more than what I paid to own mine. I have spent about $250 so far on my car since I got it. I have repaired the electrical system on the car, wipers, radio, leather interior, overheating problem, smoking problem, and interior light problem. It is finally a normal car. Thanks to all the Rennlist members who have helped me out from time to time. I wonder how many people ran to their garage wondering whether their car would survive another day or whether they should sell it now. I guess if you had a lot invested in it already maybe cashing in on it isn't a bad idea.

Ern

I am pretty sure a US 1980 has a non interference engine. I don't know about a Euro model. I would find out so as to put your mind at ease. A non-interfence engine should not bend valves unless there is a large amount of carbon build up on a piston.

SharkSkin

Nope.... ~3K miles on my TB. No worries.

PorKen

I check mine, every time I open the hood:

SharkSkin

Have to pick the road kill out of there regularly, do ya?

Nicole

This little extra effort and risk is definitely worth the ounces saved in weight. And the weight savings make up for the loss of power due to all the hot air the engine inhales from the engine compartment... The guys in Weissach were just too dumb to figure this out.

Bernie

I officially parked my shark a week ago to await a new belt and waterpump job. I plan on doing a lot of cleanup, polishing, plating, etc so the costs will be up there.
Since it will be pricey and I know I want the belt changed now, I have decided not to risk it and park the car till I get the funds in place.

autochicago

although it might be an acceptable risk to run without covers on the 8V, i surely wouldn't do that on the 16V.

Greggles

Less then 400 miles since my last retension....I hope I'm OK

Deb

Porken - besides determining that your belts haven't shredded what else can you evaluate with the covers off?

PorKen

Heat is the biggest threat to the belt, and to all the idler and water pump ball bearings.

Ducks, apples or small rocks could be a problem, but the pan keeps most of the shrubbery out.
...

32 valvers have the cover mounted distributors, so they can't anyway.
...

Belt tension, bolts loose/missing(!), leaks, gear wear, how cool my 32V (adjustable) cam gears are, and of course, new gizmos.

For example, fitting a more dynamic (TB tensioner from an Audi V8). Besides better tension, it may allow for a variable advance system!

Plus it's really neat to watch.

bd0nalds0n

If you might do it with the 8V, and if you wouldn't do it with the 16v then you'd REALLY not want to do it with the 32v. How do those one-valve per cylinder V8s work, exactly?

GlenL

Just one data point, but I put a new belt on two years ago and it has never slackened. I've had it off a couple of times, but the re-checks always show the tension exactly where I set it. Did it today basically for the heck of it as there was no stretch this time either.

Gregg K

Hahaha.

I didn't pull the covers off, but went out and looked at the car, and then pulled the records to see just when the po put the new belt on.
And now that you mention it, you just ruined a beautiful morning of driving up highway 36- THE quintessential road. Anywhere. I won't be doing any driving until the covers come off.
Thanks. I mean it. I'd rather know what's going on in there, before I go anywhere.
Besides, highway 36 is mine whenever I want it.

Drewster67

I run my 84 without the TBelt covers - When my carrier pivot bolt went out - I had the fear of God in me - and it was such PIA to remove and install I decided to leave them off. So far - and 1 year later - all is still good. Other than the occasional deep cleaning I cant complain.