Has anyone replaced this part? I checked the maintenance guide and it is not mentioned. Sounds like a critical part. If broken I imagine it could cause an engine wipeout. I see at Pelican they are only $7.25. Anyone know the degree of difficulty for replacement? As always ,thanks for the help.Since we have a dual distributor and 12 plugs I thought it may requre two belts but according to Pelicans website only one is needed. Comments??? Search still not working.

 

A distributor belt DIY can be found at http://p-car.com/diy/diy.html.

 

Yes, this is a very important part. I've read if the belt breaks, depending upon where the rotor stops it can damage the engine. I've also been told that when it breaks you can tell as the engine will run very roughly.

On both my 60k and 90k services, this belt was replaced routinely.

 

One belt to connect the two rotors. Pcarworkshop has the procedure, but i need to clean it up- u do not have to take the second rotor apart to get the belt in, it makes the procedure much easier.

 

Great info. I will await your procedure. Any idea as to time on these beltsfor replacement. ? My car only has 35K miles but of course is 17 years old. I am doing quite a few things right now including some preventative maintenance and was wondering about that belt. May need to change the main three just to be safe based on time?

 

AKTUNG,
There is a collection of threads OVER HERE that could definitely use Mike's massaging onto Pcarworkshop!

 

Due to the Rennlist banter about the potential for catastrophic engine damage associated with the belt’s failure I do the following: Any time get any indication of a change of engine feel, sound or any engine related OBD Code I unplug the primary distributor coil wire and run the engine to spot check that the secondary distributor is working correctly. I also put a drop of motor oil on the center shaft of the secondary rotor when I change the caps & rotor as some postings in the past have suggested that galling of a bushing on the secondary distributor shaft is one of the root causes for the failure of the belt.
I would look forward to a consolidated definitive posting on the belt replacement procedure.
Andy

 

You will also need to order a distributor drive pin, part number: 930 602 922 00. Get two, just in case.

You'll also need a 1 1/4" frost plug with a 1/4" wall height. Follow the directions I added on Mike's PCar Workshop Distributor Belt Procedure.

To compress the Belleville washers on each shaft to get the circlip seated properly, use a drill press with some blocks of wood...as a press. You don't need a lot of force, but more than you can apply by hand. Take note of where the shims go and how many. They aren't all the same thickness.

Not a DIY, but some pics if they help.

 

+1 on what Andy said...

 

Mine lasted 157k miles and broke when I took it off. I would say replace it before then!