Hill Engineering tensioners

How long are these tensioners from Hill suppose to last? Do they have to be changed every three to five years or will they last for a longer duration? Timing belts are usually pretty strong; you can tow a car with them. So if the tensioners and the waterpumps for the 308/328/348 are reinforced with more durable materials then why so much worrying?

 

It's called preventative maintenance and it's much cheaper than the result of a broken belt or failed tensioner. Sure you can probably get away with running on a 10 year old belt/etc. but is it really worth the risk on a Ferrari engine? Think of it like an oil change, your oil is still doing most of it's job well past the service interval but you change it to make sure nothing goes wrong.

My opinion.

Rob

 

My opinion too !

 

Good question about the tensioners though. I have used two sets over the past 6 years. My first set looked in great shape after 3 years of usage.
I also wonder if these bearings are more robust and longer lasting than the standard units.

 

The data I received with my Hill bearings (for the 348) indicated they have a little over 300% more lateral load tolerance than the OEM bearings. Something like 2300# vs. 750# on the OEM units IIRC. I've only been using the Hill bearings for a few months and can't comment on their longevity, but the OEM bearings I removed were SHOT after 38k miles, not sure they would have made it to 40k.

 

Just to make it clear, the two sets of bearings i have used in the past 6 years have been the Hills units.
So i know from expereance there in good shape after 3 years Uk usage. I know in the US belt changes are every 4-5 years. Can any one report back on there usage and condition after 4+5 years?

 

OK here's my data point: I had the shop install the Hill bearings in 2006 on my 348. They look about 10 times better than the factory parts. It's moronic that the dealers refuse to install the Hill bearings and insist on the factory parts. The next belt service will be 2013 (2006 + 7 years) and if they feel good (no binding), I plan on inspecting them about 2020. Yep, these bearings are that good. Just had them installed on the 360. FWIW

Jeff Pintler
89 348tb, 86tr, 99 360 3-pedal

 

Has Hill Eng. provided any information about the tensioners replacement schedule?

 

Why the difference for the US belt change?
I knew about the recent cars such as 575 that would have 5 years intervals but not the 348.

 

I think they "last" until the next engine out service...


Kai

 

I have no idea. All i know is that in the US and UK hand books back in the early days, the belt change intervals were 3 years for the UK cars and 4 or 5 for the US cars. Bloody strange.
So now there seem to be a few schools of thoughts thanks in large to the WWW. 3 years, 4 years, 5 years and as one poster said today in another thread, he goes 7 years. Its all voodoo