SHunter

I have owned by 87 S4 for about a two weeks now. I knew the timing belt probably needed to be replaced before I purchased the car, but was not getting any indications from the cars Central Warning System. Well after hooking up the Central Warning System (disconnected by dealer) the belt tension ligt comes on (this was expected, but nothing like seeing the light come on for the first time and having this sinking feeling). I am scared to even start the car...should I use a trailer to get the car to the shop or is it ok to drive it? Also, should the tensioner be totally replaced or can it be rebuilt. I am planning to have the Porsche Mechanic replace the water pump and other rollers and pulleys while he is in their. But do I have to buy a new tensioner ($495 from 928Intl ouch!!) Any thoughts??


Thanks

Tails

To assist you I would suggest that you visit the following web site and read up on cambelts, tensioners etc., that should help you.

Addresses are:
http://members.rennlist.com/pirtle/svc.html
http://www.jageng.com/sharkbit_2.htm
and read Sharkbit.
http://sis125.berkeley.edu/928.html
and read tensioning tool.

I hope that this helps you.

Tails 1990 S4

Ed Ruiz

If that were my 928, it would be on a flatbed trailer on its way to the shop as I write this. YMMV.

~ Merry motoring ~

Jay Wellwood

After connecting the Central Warning System that was disconnected by the dealer???????

What low-life scum dealer did you purchase this car from? Seems as though they had something to hide....very questionable in the scruples department IMHO.

In as far as the tensioner is concerned...they can be rebuilt - and should be just fine afterwards. As you most probably know by now, the Tbelt is not a 'cross your fingers and hope' item.

Something to consider....~$1200 + the tow charge, or ~$6000 + tow charge.

Tony

Be afraid..very very AFRAID!!!!
heed the warning! could be as simple as a loose wire or a belt ready to skip a few teeth...your pick..your check book!!


Tension and belt health are easy to check
try my site www.members.rennlist.com/v1uhoh/

also id go back and kick the dealers A$$ and let him know how i felt about unhook the main warning system in a car!

Thom1

Do not drive the car until you get your warning system fixed, or check the tension. I am in the middle of a head job now due to slippage, and it is recommended to pull the engine.

Buy the aftermarket tool from 928 Specialists for around $50. Remove the passenger side timing belt cover (at the cam gear), and check the tension. If it is good, you might be able to drive the car. However, there could be other problems with the tensioner system. My failure was due to roller (bearing) failure at the tensioner carrier.

To proceed with repairs, you may just need to troubleshoot the warning light failure, and keep the belt tight. If you get into the belt replacement, just rebuild the tensioner. It is simply a piston moving when you tighten or loosen the adjusting bolt. Replace the tensioner carrier bushings. Replace the belt, water pump, and all rollers. I would not replace pulleys with no moving parts. Greg Nichols’ page has troubleshooting procedures for the timing belt light and more at: http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm

The Parts and Technical Reference Manual is a great source of diagrams, part numbers, etc.

Jay Wellwood

thomhross-

Hope that the job is going well.

btw - just about finished my cam replacement, my previous comment regarding the tool for cam removal may be off base. I noticed that the stock cam don't have as much deflection on them by the valves as I thought that they did. That being said, you may be able to safely remove them by loosening all bolts one flat at a time.

HTH-