Dumb question about timing belt..Don't laught pls.

[Flipz]

Hi,

I just bought an 99 Eclipse GS on 99K miles and the owner said he has changed the timing belt but doesn't have the receipt for it (how usual ah )). He also said that he checked it personally that the belt is new, which I know is impossible without looking inside the engine - he is not a mechanic. I do not trust him and I will change the belt so I do not have problems. I have two questions:

1. Is the 420a an interferent or non-interferent engine. Strangely enough I thought the 2.4L DOHC on my ex 96 GS Spyder was interferent but the timing belt broke, yet the engine was ok, I was wondering whether the 2.0L on the 99 GS is the same?

2. On the picture attached to this email I have circled what he said he has checked for the timing belt. I am not sure what exactly is that part as my 2.4L was looking different from this one. Can you please tell me whether this part has anything to do with the belt and if the belt can indeed be checked there without opening the engine (I know it can't, I am just making sure because this part looks damn like a cover for a belt compartment)

Thank you,

Svetlin

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Both the 420A and the 4G64 (Spyder engine) as well as the 4G63 are interference engines. Whether or not serious damage occurs to the pistons if a timing belt breaks is determined by piston velocity at the time of belt failure. Sometimes they might shatter, or sometimes they might simply dimple.

The part you circled is the timing belt housing. Its just a small plastic housing thats easily removed with a few screws. Hardly "inside the engine" the timing belt loops around the crank pulley and the camshaft pulleys just outside of the block and head. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before changing anything and remember it is generally advisable to change the tensioner while changing the belt.

 

[Flipz]

But does this mean that if I remove this cover I can see if the timing belt is new. If it has been changed it is a waste of 250 dollars to change it but if I cannot check for 100% that it is changed i will change it so I do not risk my motor. Do you think at that 100K miles on my engine it is good to change the waterpump as well or it can last for another 20K or so?

 

[DGajre777]

Option 1) Buy a Haynes manual. It has pictures of wear on belts, you can compare it to yours to see if it is new. The manual will also tell you how to take that cover off.

Option 2) Take it to a mechanic and ask them to check which belts are worn out and which ones need to be changed.

Option 3) You don't trust the previous owner. In that case replace the timing belt, balance shaft belt, alternator belt, AC belt, power steering belt and water pump.

 

[Defiant]

Pointless to skip the waterpump when you're doing belts. They're not that expensive, and they're a nuisance to get to.

 

[Flipz]

Hi,

Do you know a place where I can buy the parts cheaper than the dealer? I checked eBay and found a timing belt kit for $198 (with water pump). This seems pretty reasonable, do you think? Or I can get it cheaper somewhere else?

 

[Hughes]

I would not buy vital parts from EBAY. You get what you pay for in most cases.

 

[Flipz]

so u would buy these parts off the dealer or there is another place for them?

 

[freestyledude]

You can get these parts at almost any car parts shop like NAPA, carquest, autozone, yadda yadda yadda.

I would agree to change the water pump while you are in there. It wouldn't be that much fun to take everything off just to get to your water pump!

Good luck on the job if you decide to do it. I just finished my timing belt and head gasket, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

 

[Defiant]

You might want to check with some of our fine Sponsors. I know San Rafael Mitsubishi, for one, offers very tidy DSMtuners discounts.

 

[j_eclipse96]

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/cat...partGroup=20&EPImodelID=14418&EPIengineID=653

6 diff kinds of timing belts for $32-$93. From what I've seen they're dirt cheap compared to other stores. Have'nt bought anything yet, but I need some new gaskets. Let me know how it goes if you buy from them.