308 timing belt question

Whoa, big fella!

There's more to it than that. The most common cause of problems is when the Tensioner Bearing and spring is not replaced at the same time. This is critical, as, if the bearing seizes or fails a brand new belt is still toast.

Also, it is incorrect to assume existing valve timing on the orientation is "spot on", a good technician will investigate and confirm valve train operation per bank before reinstalling new belts. Not uncommon to find someone cutting the corner earlier in the engine's life missed it by a tooth or two.

A belt service is the cheapest insurance you can buy for these cars. I let my tech do it, at the recommended intervals. We take off a lot of belts that look brand new, but find a lot of tensioners just short of failure.

Do both at one time! HTH!

 

Yes always change both. Belts are around $22 and the kit with Tensioner bearings and belts is around $250 or so.

Just for the record all of the belts and bearings I have taken off, the bearings were always in surprisingly good condition.

 

You may read through this site ... I can't ensure that it applies or is accurate to every aspect, but it may give you some idea of what's going on.

You may want another member to read through the procedure and comment.

http://www.cameragear.com/ec/timing.htm

I hope that other members will read this and clarify for Barnone ... Thanks

Best wishes

 

Barnone:

Here is another site that might give you some additional information regarding a similar procedure.

http://www.velocetoday.com/lifestyle/lifestyle_30.php

I assume that you have a copy of the workshop manual for your vehicle?

Best wishes

 

There is a special tool to span and hold the gears during the procedure, if you are going to maintain the existing timing.

 

My experience regarding tensioners is the same as above entry cites. Much of the profit in servicing vehicles is in the installation of new parts whether you need them or not. It takes the same amount of time to install new tensioners as the old ones. They buy them for less than we can so there is profit in making the switch because we have to pay them retail. I have a friend who has a shop that repairs german cars. He cannot be profitable on labor alone. Parts generate profit with no additional sweat.

I don't blame them. They are covering their butts as well. And the customer feels more secure especially after reading all the scary stories about timing belt failure.

 

My guess would be that the perceived condition of the Tensioner bearings will vary a lot with the reason for doing the belt replacement. I.e.:

If it's done because of time yet at low mileage = Tensioner bearings will seem OKish (which is the more common case because you maniacs don't drive your F enough )

If it's done for mileage = Tensioner bearings not so good. At least that's been my experience -- after each of my three 30K mile stints, they've been rather "dryish" and no question IMO needed replacement.

 

This is why I really appreciate my mechanic. He lets me obtain my own parts. Water pump at FNA prices = $1100. Water pump from G. Evans = $350. Nuff said.

 

I still maintain that a lot of replacement parts are not necessary. It is insurance for both the customer and the shop. Some of you guys rationalize it by saying it's the entrance fee for driving a Ferrari. Others indicate they have some sort of special relationship with their technician and that he has their interests foremost in his mind. Oh my.