Effects of timing belt stretch?

[sweet97]

My timing belt is very near a change. With the cam gear cover off there is a bit of flex in the belt. I also notice that when timing my car the CAS is very near the furtest back setting. What effects could a stretched belt have on performance if any? Thanks, Mark

 

[keltalon]

big time
power loss!

 

[project_tsi]

You say your CAS is nearly fully adjusted back? Have you checked your timing latey, with a timing light?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

If it stretches beyond the point the auto tensioner can take up the slack, the pulleys can jump timing and then you run the risk of valve damage which can and most likely will reult in having to pull the head.

If you have any doubts, get it out of there