My next 944 question...

[racer212]

So my 944 (I've not picked it up yet) supposedly had the timing belt replaced 32k miles ago. The car is owned by a self proclaimed Porsche mechanic (probably legit though) who told me that replacement interval is 60k miles. Ive read different things online... anyone give me the solid data.

[magcuda]

it is 2000 over due!!!!! change that thing every 2 years or 30,000 miles whichever comes first!!!!

this is an interference motor and it will bend valves. more so if it is a "S" model.

I have worked on these cars since new and have seen many a person "stretch" the interval to save $$ and end up spending a lot more in a major repair.

[racer212]

Dont take this wrong, but is that according the manual or is that an opinion. I keep reading both.

How much is a timing belt replacement on average? Just curious.

[Loren]

The service manual says 30,000 miles.

The belt has a US MSRP of $32.70. I would guess most shops would charge you 1 or 2 hours labor.

[magcuda]

My answer is on practical experience, I had a 944 that I only drove about once a month and I change the belt every 2 years regerdless of how few miles I out on it. Just trying to help a brother out.

plus all the cars I saw get towed in after we tried to sell them a t belt and they answered they would do it next month.

[racer212]

Cool! Thank you guys much! I know I want to err on the side of caution. I'm just trying to figure out where that is.

[johnkoawood]

Cool! Thank you guys much! I know I want to err on the side of caution. I'm just trying to figure out where that is.

I just had my Belt re-tensioned after replacement, the re-tension was $196, when the belt was replaced I did not need and others (normal wear items to change are rollers/tensioner/water pump) and I had the motor mounts replaced for a grand total of $1200, but is much better than the 2-3 K for a head rework if the belt fails.

As for longevity or life of the belt, I use my 88 944 as my daily driver, mostly highway at speeds of we'll just say probably too fast...

Replace the belt, re-tension it at 1000 miles later, 15K and replace again at 30K or two years whichever comes first is what my friendly local dealer (Euroclasics Porsche, located in Richmond VA) has told me,

so far I got the replacement, and the re-tension, and I am about 12K away from the second re-tensioning at the pace I am driving this car it will be due some time next summer as I have accrued 4500 miles in a month and a half (I commute 1000 miles or so a week), kinda expensive, but the looks on other drivers faces ...

Timing Belt and Motor Mounts...$1200

Re-Tension.............................$196

Re-Tension.............................$196

Ragged out Corvette drivers face when you stomp him straight line on the highway..............PRICELESS

Yes his mid 90s corvette was ragged out, but it was still very funny to accelerate past him not one, not twice but 3 times a lady.......

[Perculator00]

Cool! Thank you guys much! I know I want to err on the side of caution. I'm just trying to figure out where that is.

I just had my Belt re-tensioned after replacement, the re-tension was $196, when the belt was replaced I did not need and others (normal wear items to change are rollers/tensioner/water pump) and I had the motor mounts replaced for a grand total of $1200, but is much better than the 2-3 K for a head rework if the belt fails.

As for longevity or life of the belt, I use my 88 944 as my daily driver, mostly highway at speeds of we'll just say probably too fast...

Replace the belt, re-tension it at 1000 miles later, 15K and replace again at 30K or two years whichever comes first is what my friendly local dealer (Euroclasics Porsche, located in Richmond VA) has told me,

Similar situation with me. I constantly would hear and read different things. Based on what johnkoawood and my mechanic in northern VA have told me is to change it every 30-35k miles, and do a re-tension every 1-1.5k miles after the new change. And replace every 2yrs/30-35k miles again.

How important is the re-tension at 15k miles?

Geeze, this is all part of why these motor are high maintenance even though its s 20+ yr old car.

Edited June 11, 2009 by Perculator00

[magcuda]

the 15k re-tension is important as both belts stretch. a loose belt will jump time and bend valves

[flash968]

not sure about the 944, but the 968 manual says re-tension balance belt (there is a hydraulic one for the 968 timing belt) every 15k miles and replace both at 3 yrs or 60k miles, whichever is first - i would consult the maintenance guide that came with the owner's manual for what they said

we have found that age is at least as much of an enemy as mileage, and that the mileage estimates of 60k are generally optimistic - changing out at 75% of that seems to resolve the issues

remember too that tracking the car shortens belt life - running the car hard all the time shortens belt life - heat is the enemy here

a belt job is definitely less than replacing all of the valves - i would err on the side of caution

[HansStuck]

Wow!!

Every 30K for a timing belt?? Are there not stronger belts out there to last longer that 30K?

[ejk10125]

Wow!!

Every 30K for a timing belt?? Are there not stronger belts out there to last longer that 30K?

The belt is very strong but if it is just the slightest bit off the valves will be off set and basicaly, you will blow the engine. So its a belt you would not want to take a chance on failing.