distributor belt
05-02-2009, 11:03 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
distributor belt
I have a 1998 993 C2S. I heard that within the distributor, there is a belt that we should replace every 30K - 60K miles. And I heard that most of the mechanics don't know about this belt and this belt doesn't have a part number since there is no OEM part for it.
Any thoughts, extra info and idea about this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Any thoughts, extra info and idea about this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
05-02-2009, 11:18 PM
#2
I heard the distributor drive belt should be changed at around the 60K mark. That's when I had mine done. I hear if it fails, the damage can be very expensive. I agree that not every mechanic knows about this, and I think if my memory serves me correct, it was an inexpensive part that I bought through Sunset or Pelican.
05-02-2009, 11:23 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Rainforest (Vancouver, BC)
Posts: 7,593
Received 1,047 Likes
on
472 Posts
Really cheap part, <$15 as I see on the bill. Sorry, no part number on the bill. Just did this on my 95 and I'm glad I did, the one in there was pretty rough looking.
05-02-2009, 11:29 PM
#4
Advanced
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't replaced mine yet but the belt is easy to get. From what I've read it's a bit of a job to replace. Also there are a couple of bearings in there that are difficult to obtain if needed. Some shops rebuild the units and it seems a popular option to just buy a rebuilt one. Ken
05-04-2009, 11:55 AM
#5
Nordschleife Master
I just did mine @ 90kmi, the belt was in good shape, & could have stayed in there for quite a few more miles.
I would suggest 90k, or 120kmi service for the belt change. Yea, it's cheap, but the job, is a PITA.
I would suggest 90k, or 120kmi service for the belt change. Yea, it's cheap, but the job, is a PITA.
05-04-2009, 12:14 PM
#6
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I have done several....have not really found any bearing problems, and the belts always look good, but it gives peace of mind and is not that much work to do.
I find the hardest parts are removing the distributor (since they often bind or weld themselves into the case) and drilling out the retaining pin on the distributor gear, you have to be careful to make sure you are drilling out the pin, not the shaft.
I use a slide hammer with a custom base that sits on the bottom of the distributor to give it a good upwards pull. Be careful here, the distributor body itself is not very thick, and can be damaged. I drill the pin out on a drill press clamped down in a metal vise, but I have also done it freehand which worked as well.
The little copper pin that replaces the one you take out mushrooms nicely, just keep working on each side, and eventually you can get it nicely flared on each end.
Other than that, it usually goes smoothly. :-)
Cheers,
Mike
I find the hardest parts are removing the distributor (since they often bind or weld themselves into the case) and drilling out the retaining pin on the distributor gear, you have to be careful to make sure you are drilling out the pin, not the shaft.
I use a slide hammer with a custom base that sits on the bottom of the distributor to give it a good upwards pull. Be careful here, the distributor body itself is not very thick, and can be damaged. I drill the pin out on a drill press clamped down in a metal vise, but I have also done it freehand which worked as well.
The little copper pin that replaces the one you take out mushrooms nicely, just keep working on each side, and eventually you can get it nicely flared on each end.
Other than that, it usually goes smoothly. :-)
Cheers,
Mike
Trending Topics
05-04-2009, 11:56 PM
#10
I read a recent thread on this procedure in which several people who have done this said that the DIY's make it a lot more complicated than it needs to be. I'll try to find it and post...
05-04-2009, 11:58 PM
#11
Drifting
05-05-2009, 01:13 AM
#12
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I really need to get some more time...have a bunch of articles in the queue, and have not had the time to get to them.
Cheers,
Mike
05-05-2009, 01:30 AM
#13
RL Technical Advisor
Mike,
While you are correct about belt replacement without taking it all apart, I'd be doing a serious injustice to everyone reading this thread if I didn't recommend total disassembly to check the bearings while you are there.
Its simply based on taking several of these apart over the years,...
While you are correct about belt replacement without taking it all apart, I'd be doing a serious injustice to everyone reading this thread if I didn't recommend total disassembly to check the bearings while you are there.
Its simply based on taking several of these apart over the years,...
05-05-2009, 10:39 AM
#14
Rennlist Member
Mike,
While you are correct about belt replacement without taking it all apart, I'd be doing a serious injustice to everyone reading this thread if I didn't recommend total disassembly to check the bearings while you are there.
Its simply based on taking several of these apart over the years,...
While you are correct about belt replacement without taking it all apart, I'd be doing a serious injustice to everyone reading this thread if I didn't recommend total disassembly to check the bearings while you are there.
Its simply based on taking several of these apart over the years,...
I just did mine and the bearing needed replacement . I guess to much washing engine bay the bearing were rusty . Thankful my Indy is very talented and was able to make some bearings work otherwise a new distributor would of been needed .
Cheers Guy