Should the Timing belt have been changed?

Thinking about making a used p-car purchase.

I know its supposed to be 60K but that would mean its either well overdue for its second or thinking about her third. At that kind of mileage does the regular time period become sooner due to engine wear, or the opposite?

Thanks guys. :}

 

Unless the seller can show you PROOF that the belt has been changed in the last 25K miles/3 years - You need to plan on doing the TB/WP FIRST THING when you get the car!

Read throught the Newbie FAQs topped on the thread list. There's some GREAT info on buying a shark.

 

Immaterial how many times. Just make sure the belt AND PUMP and rollers are all within 45k - 60k miles.

 

FWIW, I just bought a 1986.5 with 142k miles. The PPO (previous-previous owner) didn't know to check the belt, so the timing belt went kauput and it killed the engine at 142k miles. (Car now has different engine with new timing belt etc).

 

Thanks a lot guys. I have been through a lot on this page including all the newbie threads and links, even all the dead ones.. ha! It has been a huge help! A lot to weed through, but I work alone at nights, so it only took about two weeks. Im in the process of going BACK through now .

My only fear is I will have to drive whatever porsche I buy back home. Yikes! Talk about testing a new purchase! So several people have "told" me the TB/WP were done, but I fear this will be false when I get there. You know, sales guys.

I wish I could get a fellow rennlisters, but I dont have that kinda money for such a gem, if YKWIM.

So, any way to visually tell a guestimate on the belt?

 

before you jump into changing a timing belt immediately, tell us first what MY it is. If it's a non interference engine, your risk is much lower...in fact there may be absolutely no risk involved, and you may be able to get by on visual examination and checking tension only.

 

Tarek, the one Im currently looking at is an 88 S4 auto in Orlando. But I have been looking at the 86.5 up to 90 autos (of course Id prefer the 5sp but...). Beyond that, if I can afford it, it has to have a major problem. I havent found any FS near DC, so Ive been considering traveling to purchase.

 

If it's ANY 32v engine, then of course all of the dire warnings above apply.

 

Settle down now Mr Beerfish

 

Blllaahh ha ha! Uh, Freudian slip... right! Dont let work know!!

Not to make this any crazier of a question but I was looking through some of the tech guides and they claim TB and WP should be done every 4-5 years!? So really, according to Wally, this '88 should be ready for TB/WP service number 5!!!

 

Beerdude, that would be correct. Age is a lot more destructive than use ...

 

Beerfish
Find a local 928 knowledgeable shop to do a PPI for you. They will check most of the major problem areas! The best money you can spend! Perfect maintence records are very helpful too, but very few cars have them!

 

Buy the aftermarket timing belt tool and check the belt tension before you drive it home. You can check the belt and passenger side cam gear at the same time, make sure you have oil in the tensioner, and you should be good to drive it home. Checking the tension only takes a small amount of time and worth the peace of mind on the drive home. This is something that you could arrange for in a PPI prior to buying the car and eliminate the need to do it yourself.

Good Luck

 

There is a lot more to evaluate on a 928 than just the timing belt. Don't buy a car without a pre-purchase inspection by someone who knows these cars.

There is also a neat 928 Buyers Guiide book that tells you what to look for. It has one section that helps you determine in 15 minutes whether the time or expense for further evaluation is justified. Use that before you take it to the next level. It's been written by the UK Porsche Club's 928 guru David Hemmings and only costs $20:

http://www.marketworks.com/StoreFron...304&i=18898594

 

Does anyone have any knowledge of a 928 specialist in Orlando, FLA? I have another post open asking for this but it appears that post hasn't found anyone yet. Cant hurt to ask twice! The owner has paper work claiming the TB and WP were done at 118K. It has 146K on it now.

I hate to admit it but Im totally in love with this 928 (and its advertised price falls in my range). Unfortunately I cant get to inspect it on my own. Hopefully I can find an Orlando member or tech that would make the trip to inspect it for me.

If anyone wants to make the trip to Florida, heres your excuse!!!