Hello!

I would like to know, whether a broken timing belt always results in a heavy machine damage (928S with two valves per cylinder)? High/Low risk?

Is it possible to get an impression of the durability of the timing belt only by looking at the belt?

Best regards from Berlin, Germany

 

I've heard from 16V 928s that had cam-belt failure, but no other problems. Sometimes you can see that the belt is deteriorating by looking into the vent holes, but usually not. In most cases the belt slips a few teeth upon start-up or sudden acceleration. YMMV.

The belt is made to last about 100,000 km. However, if properly maintained, it could last twice that long. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance.

 

Hello Ed!

What does it mean "properly maintained"?
Thank you in advance.

 

properly maintained=properly tensioned. don't mess with ed, he's a by-the-book man. YMMV.

 

Snowball:
Thanks for acting as my front man.

The belt should be retentioned within 2,000km of installation, and every 25,000km thereafter. Also, the tentioner should be rebuilt every time the belt is replaced, and some folks replace the water pump as well. YMMV.

 

Properly maintained also means no oil leaking on to the belt. If you don't know the history of the belt you have little choice but to change it. The chances that the valves will be mashed is high, especially in the s motors, the reason is high compresion, this means that there is little clearance between valve and piston. Why do you think that there is valve notches cut out in the pistons on these engines? The reason is that there was no clearance. Also by changing the belt you will also get to inspect the pulleys, the pulleys wear and can lead to premature belt failure. Like ED I err on the side of caution, do us all a favour and go and change the belt.

 

One more thing, the belt should be replaced every 100,000km or every 5 years, whichever comes first.

 

Does anyone know what a timimg belt replacement generally cost??...I'm in California..

Thanks,

Drew

 

About $80, I have one waiting to be installed. You need to replace the water pump also which is over $100. Sounds like a tensioner rebuild is also recommended - not sure of the cost here.

 

Good morning America!

Thanks to all for the comments. One thing I have to remark. In Germany the change of a timing belt costs about 600 US$ if you go to a PORSCHE centre! Therefore you have to think about it. On the other hand a well maintained 928S can be found under 5000 US$.

Greetings

Peter

 

Its going to cost me about $1100-1300, if i take it to a garage and have it done. But my moms b/f used to have his own porsche garage so if I buy the parts then it will be enough for the manuals and parts.

 

I agree with lobis on the cost. Here in CA it typically runs around $1,200 these days, including the water pump (S4 model).

$600 in Berlin? Maybe we should drive our cars to Germany for the timing belt change? Just kidding!!!!

pitberlin: What's the hourly rate at your local Porsche dealer these days?

In any case, don't take any chances with the timing belt. It's the weakest point on the 928, and if it breaks, your car is "ein finanzieller Totalschaden" (financially totaled) - then the best thing you could do - at least here in the US - is be to sell it's parts...

 

Hello Nicole:

In Germany the labour rate per hour at the PORSCHE ZENTRUM depends on the age of your car (Berlin). For example working on a 928S built in 1985 cost about 75$ including VAT.

In former times I drove two older 928S (auto). Each one about 4000km and I don't care about the timing belt. Nothing happens.

Greetings to California, I have been there two times (1993 and 1994)

 

They have dirrefernt labor rates for different years of the 928? That's a pretty unusual concept! How does it differ - are newer cars more expensive to work on? How much more?

I've heard of shops charging different rated depending on the brand of car they are working on, but never based on age...

Komisch...

 

Hey Jerry - I need the name of your mechanic!

80 samolians to change the TB? Such a deal.

Last time I had mine done it was close to a grand.