How Long Do You Actually Go Between Timing Belt Service ?

Sooooo now that we all know that chains suck and belts rule, our cars just became that much more cool and desirable. Awesome!!

 

I plan on doing the Major service every 5 years regardless of miles.

 

Yes it has happened a few times. One that comes to mind is Daniel Pass (Ricambi) on his 348 (which he's since sold)

 

Thanks everyone for your response. What I extrapolate from this is as long as all maintenance issues gets taken care of on a regular basis or as soon as they come up, the preventative maintenance service like the timing belt service can be safely done every 5 to 7 years. Average out the expensive major service over 6 years is not so bad and I can accept that. I was just a bit hesitant thinking I need to do that every 3 years which would put this car's running cost a bit prohibitive on a long term basis. I think this is the biggest stumbling block for potential F355 buyers as this was certainly the case for me. I'm comfortable enough to proceed from here.

 

Excellent. If the car is driven frequently and properly and you keep a close eye on things everything will be great. Better buy one soon, the good ones are getting snapped up for big $$!! Just look at 355dreamer's car.

 

Yes, going to call the seller tomorrow and hopefully we can come to a deal on a 99 Berlinetta 6 speed manual.

 

Please note that the "tension function" are only activated when the belt are mounted. The tensioner are locked into position once you screw down the center screw on the roller bearing...

 

Please note that there is an "hydraulic tightener" which regulates tension during service.

 

Ok. My car is too old! I have a 1978 308GTS. Sorry! ;-)

 

I said I thought...wasnt sure if it was FNA or dealer service suggestion ...If I recall it had said 3 years for European cars and 5 for north America... so I was wrong about that but still stand by my point its almost impossible to get a straight answer on this just like the valve guide point I made last week. It gets confusing and I felt in the beginning my car was going to grenade at any min....

 

what my car has belts??????

 

Thanks for the response. I am sure it has happened. But I don't think it's enough of problem I need to worry about it Everytime I drive my 355. Out of all the street driven 355 I wonder how many have ever broken a belt.

 

Good safe advice ....

 

What a lot of people done even know ..or even really know what it means, is the 348..and i believe the 355 is a zero clearance motor.. So..yes..if the belt breaks..its bad news... but if it stretches to much, it could also be an issue with the values touching the pistons..

What i have seen ..and if you go read the many of "personal" stories of people that have done the belts... A southern car tends to have less effect on the belt then a northern car... Its a simple physics with the colder winters, the belt expands and contacts more then a southern..Texas car..thus it does stretches as much when the car is ran. So, if you have a Northern car..change it ever 5 years..a southern car..7-8 years and you probably ok as well..as long as the supporting bearing and what knot are in good condition..