time to replace timing belt?

[x5150]

Is there a thread on checking if it's time to replace the timing belt, auto tensioner, pulleys, etc. I've found many threads on how to replace them but none yet so far on 'When' to replace them. The only thing I know that might be useful is to see if the belts are cracking other than that I can't really go on the mileage because previous owner says motor is all good and rebuilt of course.

Here are some pics of the belts

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[red96rs]

I vote do it now, so you know when it was done last. I wouldn't go by what the previous owner told you unless its someone you know personally.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

When in doubt replace it. Just because it's a "newer" engine doesn't mean the belt is in good condition. A lot of people buy JDM engines and they consider them to be "newer" and neglect to replace the t-belt when it is put in. If this is the case I would replace it ASAP. Anytime I buy a DSM I start with my own maintenance. That way I know what is done and when it was done. Regardless of what anyone did prior to me owning it.

 

[schroder]

How many miles are on the current timing belt. If the answer is something along the lines of "I'm not sure, the past owner didn't say(couldn't prove) that it had been changed every 60k", then replace it. Its cheaper to replace it if your unsure of the condition NOW, than it will be if it breaks on you, causing you to have to replace at minimum the valves, head gasket, head studs, timing belt, tensioner and pulleys. Just replace it now for peace of mind, but if you do, besure to either replace the balance shaft belt or do the BSE kit...Best of luck!

 

[untouchablecc]

60 bucks for a timing belt or 1000 in a head rebuild? I change mine once a year minimum.

 

[x5150]

Yes I know a timing belt is very important, if it breaks my valves will get bent and other nasty stuff, but if I can save $400-500 by looking at the parts first I think I should.

 

[red96rs]

400$? 500? for what? changing the timing belt? Buy a haynes manual, Do it yourself for cheap.

 

[schroder]

Pics dont help man. Its great that it looks good, but remember the phrase "Looks can be deceiving." Just replace the belt. If you only go for the belt, its like 30 or 40 bucks from Advance Auto or where ever. Belts are belts, and though some may argue, just search around for that and most will agree with what I said. Do it right the first time, or you're doing it twice

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Where is you lower timing cover? You definitely need that on there. Can't set your base timing without it.

 

[x5150]

Where is you lower timing cover? You definitely need that on there. Can't set your base timing without it.

I don't know. Just go the car last week. I'll add that to my list of stuff to buy.

 

[lowandsleekDSM]

I say if you need to ask, then do it. Thats my .02

 

[92AWDHX40]

Change it, and get a cover for that belt. Ive learned my lessons about that belt, and maintenace. I change mine frequently like the op said once a year. just for peace of mind. Especially when i put lots of miles on it. The tensioner should be changed everytime, you never know when it could fail.

 

[g_ferg]

The part of the timing belt looks rather new. But I would also recommend changing it just to be for sure. And the bottom timing cover is a really good idea to invest in. It sucks when u snap a belt and it gets caught in the timing belt. Know that one from experience. Plus it costs a lot more then the timing cover will .

 

[sparco431]

i think you should replace it, its better to be safe than sorry man

 

[jrohner]

Where is you lower timing cover? You definitely need that on there. Can't set your base timing without it.

How exactly would you adjust base timing on a 2g 7-bolt anyways? Your comment only pertains if he has a 6-bolt swap.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Good Call... for some reason I'm stuck in the world of 1g...




<---------------

 

[DSM1G90]

I'm stuck in the world of 1g...

.. nothing wrong with that...

- just glad that I did a T-belt replacement when I got my ride last year. Fabric was showing on the sides, edge cracks, upper belt surface gouges, yet the belt teeth, as it shows in these pics, looked like his. Agree, looks can be definitely deceiving.

With the regular belts and how they look, esp the ALT belt and how it's looks a little tired, I'd throw a shot in that the T-belt is just as tired.

look into VFAQ Site - Visual Frequently Answered Questions for T-belt changeout information. This site is wonders to all of us DSM owners.

 

[Calan]

And pick up this timing tool set from Jay Racing.

 

[DSM1G90]

I like the cam sprocket wedge idea. Too bad no picts on the other two tools.

I made my own adjuster tool with a length of 8mm rod with two 13mm nuts on top - one nut jammed against the other to make a bolt for a 13mm socket wrench to go onto.

as for the roller adjustment, that was a 14mm socket and an allen to roll the eccentric around for proper tension.

 

[Hideki]

I say if you need to ask, then do it. Thats my .02

Took the words right out of my mouth

 

[Calan]

Too bad no picts on the other two tools.

Sure there is; they sell them all separately also

Tensioner Tool

Eccentric Pulley Tool

 

[pj91gsx]

I would just get the timing kit with the with all the belts and pulleys and the timing tensioner, its 133 shipped on ebay, and get a water pump. If the waterpump goes bad you will have to take the timing belt off again. If you wanted to you could install the balance shaft eliminator kit, but that a little bit more of a timing consuming project.

 

[Chrispy0530]

Like everyone has said here, if you don't know when it was changed, just do it.

I had a friend who had just bought her first 97 GSX a week ago on Saturday. Very nice and clean with minimal mods. I asked her if the owner mentioned replacing the timing belt at all recently before the 60k miles. Owner mentioned no such thing. So I advised her to change it ASAP. We agreed were going to change it last Thursday, along with the water pump and BSE kit.

Tuesday on her way to work, the belt snapped. Now she needs to get the whole head rebuilt and is going to be DSMless for a bit.


Change that belt ASAP.

 

[x5150]

Like everyone has said here, if you don't know when it was changed, just do it.

I had a friend who had just bought her first 97 GSX a week ago on Saturday. Very nice and clean with minimal mods. I asked her if the owner mentioned replacing the timing belt at all recently before the 60k miles. Owner mentioned no such thing. So I advised her to change it ASAP. We agreed were going to change it last Thursday, along with the water pump and BSE kit.

Tuesday on her way to work, the belt snapped. Now she needs to get the whole head rebuilt and is going to be DSMless for a bit.


Change that belt ASAP.

Did you happen to get a look at her belt? Was cracked all over the place?

 

[Chrispy0530]

The belt seemed fine actually. But still, I told her to change it anyway because you really can't judge how good a timing belt is by just looking at it most of the time. Already got the head off for her and gonna send it out to get rebuilt.