I replaced my distributor belt today. Took about 2 hours. I only removed the main shaft, and left the secondary shaft in place. I split the two halves of the housing and fished the belt out, then installed the new belt (I did this without driving the set pin out). I found that an old front caliper bolt works great to help remove the drive gear and to use as a temporary shaft while lining the belt/drive wheel. This was a lot easier then I expected but it wouldn't have been without the wealth of info here.

The old belt had 58000 miles on it, and looked fine. But it was stiffer then the new belt and it's texture seemed harder.

So one winter project is off the list.

Todd

PS when turning the engine over to locate TDC, make sure it's not in gear

 

Todd,
Good info - I'm looking to replace mine over the winter.

Andreas

 

Hi Todd. Congrats on getting through the job, and using less effort to do it.

A good idea would be to take your suggestions and forward them to Robin at p-car.com.

I'm sure he'd be happy to include your input on the DIY belt-replacement page. Then everyone can easily see your suggestions and method.

Congrats again on a job well done!

 

I would be interested in a more detailed writeup of your method as well. I need to do this sometime soon, and would like a simpler way.

 

If you had a 964 then I would consider doing this preventive maintenance repair otherwise with a 993 I would not screw with it. It is very rare to have a 993 distributor drive belt go out. Just my .02 cents worth.

 

I agree it is very rare for the belt to break. However view it is less rare if car is driven very hard ... say on the track and keep hammering it, say on back straight at Watkins Glen. With a 10 year old belt it becomes piece of mind for a rare possibility even with the distributed vented unlike the early 964's.

IMO, there is little sense just replacing a belt, you might as well have the bearings checked, and have the seals changed, etc. For me, it is not a first time DYI, and rather send distributor out to someone that does these things. Or for full piece of mind buy a remanfactured twin distributor $$$.