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Sean and Chuck are more than correct, the dollar ratio from TB/WP replacement to pulling a head is reason enough. Peace of mind. you will enjoy the car more if the TB isn't the first thing you think about when you turn the key.
I think time is more important than mileage unless the miles are big.
Where was the picture of "Smilin Sean" taken Chuck?
3rd Coast 2007.
We went to Motorsport Ranch outside of Ft. Worth for a track day to kick it off.
Good times!!
My 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid is 6 1/2 years old with 80,000 miles. The serpentine belt does very little work compared to a 928 and with far less torque. Lifespan is 80-105,000 miles.
Just had it replaced as it looked like dry rot was setting in. Mind you the car sees a lot of miles in all weather and salt--but also remember we all warn each other that tires over 6 years old should be avoided for the same reason.
I would not keep a belt for more than 6 years regardless of mileage-regardless of belt. Mine is 3 years old and being changed next month after a few thousand miles.
The 91 GT I just picked up had 24K miles and all repair docs showed belt was never changed and it was the original TB. When we pulled it, it looked good, no cracks it dry rot. All the rest of the drive belts same way, looked new. Changed out the TB, Tensioner and WP, as well as changed drive belts also and should be good for about 5 years. Gears looked new..
The 91 GT I just picked up had 24K miles and all repair docs showed belt was never changed and it was the original TB. When we pulled it, it looked good, no cracks it dry rot. All the rest of the drive belts same way, looked new. Changed out the TB, Tensioner and WP, as well as changed drive belts also and should be good for about 5 years. Gears looked new..
But that car was stored in a temperature and humidity controlled garage, correct?
Mickster...yes, temp and humidity as well as radiant heat floor!!
The tires on the car were from 1995 and they didn't have any cracks or dry rot. I actually drove the 70 miles home on them and only had a slight shake at around 65 MPH. They are off the car now, but look like new sitting in my garage.
So far about 650 miles clocked on it since I got it and no leaks anywhere!!
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The last few posts indicate that if cars are stored inside in a somewhat stable temperature, does that mean the belt lasts longer? I took a look at mine yesterday when I took the intake tubes off and shoved a flashlight down the inspection hole. There were no cracks on the belt, but obviously you can see the factory Conti label worn as a result since passing through the rollers. The belt looks okay still and I'm not driving the car that much. I think when my first DIY belt job comes around, I may ask for some local Rennlister help on here.
The last few posts indicate that if cars are stored inside in a somewhat stable temperature, does that mean the belt lasts longer? I took a look at mine yesterday when I took the intake tubes off and shoved a flashlight down the inspection hole. There were no cracks on the belt, but obviously you can see the factory Conti label worn as a result since passing through the rollers. The belt looks okay still and I'm not driving the car that much. I think when my first DIY belt job comes around, I may ask for some local Rennlister help on here.
Looking at the back side of the belt doesn't tell you very much....
Take an old belt and twist it. Look between the teeth. You will usually see some degrading or cracking. When an old belt fails, it doesnt 'pop' .. Usually the teeth seperate from the belt. This more often than not occurs not at High RPMS (where the momenteum of the rotating parts is high.) Its usually at startup or when you pull off (changing enging speeds from 0 -800RPM or idle to 3krpms). That feeling of a dead engine followed by a spinning crank is not one that should be experienced. I had a timing chain break on a inline 6 chevy in highschool. Tried to start from a light on a hill and that was that. Age matters in any material that can deteriorate over time.
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I'm sure it doesn't. Either way it's going to be replaced. I do have one question that I could never understand on these cars. I've seen John Pirtle's DIY several years back as well as some posts on here about it. Why must the engine be turned to 45 degrees when the belt is removed and replaced? Why can't it be set at TDC during this process to ensure that the engine cam timing is set correctly? Is it just because one can rotate the cams at 45 degrees to align them (of course when the 45 degree mark is painted on each gear)? I have pasted in John Pirtle's link below.
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Originally Posted by dcrasta
Take an old belt and twist it. Look between the teeth. You will usually see some degrading or cracking. When an old belt fails, it doesnt 'pop' .. Usually the teeth seperate from the belt. This more often than not occurs not at High RPMS (where the momenteum of the rotating parts is high.) Its usually at startup or when you pull off (changing enging speeds from 0 -800RPM or idle to 3krpms). That feeling of a dead engine followed by a spinning crank is not one that should be experienced. I had a timing chain break on a inline 6 chevy in highschool. Tried to start from a light on a hill and that was that. Age matters in any material that can deteriorate over time.
I remember the first belt that was replaced on this car and my mechanic showing me that it was OLD. The top was also more worn than the belt in the car. Bending the belt backward in front of me clearly showed cracks between the teeth on it.
I'm sure it doesn't. Either way it's going to be replaced. I do have one question that I could never understand on these cars. I've seen John Pirtle's DIY several years back as well as some posts on here about it. Why must the engine be turned to 45 degrees when the belt is removed and replaced? Why can't it be set at TDC during this process to ensure that the engine cam timing is set correctly? Is it just because one can rotate the cams at 45 degrees to align them (of course when the 45 degree mark is painted on each gear)? I have pasted in John Pirtle's link below.
I'm sure it doesn't. Either way it's going to be replaced. I do have one question that I could never understand on these cars. I've seen John Pirtle's DIY several years back as well as some posts on here about it. Why must the engine be turned to 45 degrees when the belt is removed and replaced? Why can't it be set at TDC during this process to ensure that the engine cam timing is set correctly? Is it just because one can rotate the cams at 45 degrees to align them (of course when the 45 degree mark is painted on each gear)? I have pasted in John Pirtle's link below.
I believe the 16V can be done/are done at TDC. Like Kosmo said, the 32V have pressure on the cams at TDC and this pressue will rotate the cam once the belt is take off at TDC. 45deg no valves are open and only 'slight' pressure is on the cam (I believe the passenger side cam will try to advance on you if you do not pay attention you will end up 1 tooth late.. ).
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This makes a lot of sense now. When I begin my project I will make sure I get everything lined up at 45 degrees before pulling the belt off. I am still debating on getting a Porkensioner since this will be sort of a budget TB/WP and I have to allocate the funds to a new Laso.
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