Question on timing belt change

[tdskip]

Hi guys - the car I'm picking up had a new timing belt put on in 2003 which was +/- 13,000 miles ago. Can I run that one for a while or does it have to come off?

She's been sitting since 2008 if that matters.

Thanks in advance for the coaching - newbie here.

[4uall]

Timing belt

Engines with overhead camshafts -like the Fiat 124 Spider- have timing belts that have a limited life span. Every 60.000 kilometers, 37.500 miles or every 7 years (in case of less kilometers) this timing belt should be renewed. The timing belt should NEVER be tightened in between and in case of disassembling -even after only 500 kilometers- must be renewed completely.

When a belt fails, it can cause serious engine damage, bending valves and breaking pistons. At worst, you will need a new engine. Timing belts fail without warning and, on some, vehicles are almost as hard to check as they are to change. In most cases, your only protection is to change the belt at the recommended intervals. Timing belt replacement is not a cheap job but it is less costly than the alternative.

Some technicians may recommend that you replace the water pump during a timing belt job even if there is nothing wrong with it. This is because 90% of the labor to change the water pump has already been done with the timing belt job and some technicians consider it good insurance to replace the pump at this time.
What should be renewed beyond all doubt are the oil seals. Additionally the coolant and the tensioner should be renewed as well. If a bolt is mounted on the crankshaft-pulley instead of a nut, be prepared that this bolt has a LEFT turning thread. Finally, be aware of the correct torque specifications !

[81SPIDERMATT]

sorta your call on that one .... some will say change it just because a timing belt failure is not a good thing...and the result of a failure is far more costly than the belt itself...and because of age it should be done.... mileage sometimes does not matter .... some of the guys dont drive their cars that much in 5 years and change them on a regular basis.. some will say inspect the belt and then decide... a few will say the timing belt is tougher than you think and should be fine.... no one wants to say it will be fine and then be wrong...if it aint broke dont fix it does not really apply to the timing belt.. when i purchased my car it was unknown when it had last been changed and was told to DO IT.... i had (what i considered more pressing issues) brake and suspension and driveline problems that i addressed first.... saved up and did several engine maintenance things at once including timing belt.... tons of info on how to and helpful hints that you can find using the search function of the site.... best group of people for helping out with questions.... after having said all that .... yes change it... think about changing that donut in the driveline also

[tdskip]

Thanks guys - great in depth information. Appreciate the coaching.

I usually do my own wrenching, but this would be my first timing belt as my MG/TRs are comparatively simple things. How ambitious would this be as a first project?

[81SPIDERMATT]

for myself it seemed daunting at first... but help and encouragement from everyone here it turned out to be quite simple..and until this car i did not consider myself a wrencher of any sort..once familiar... fiats are also simple things... would be a good time to also , as stated , look at some other things while you are there... front engine seals ... water pump.. definately the tensioner bearing.... there are a few great write-ups on this job and reading them will help A LOT ... looking foward to hearing about your battle with the dreaded cam pulley nut...

[divace73]

unless it is documented by a trusted mechanic with receipts, for an older new car purchase I do
Timing belt (This includes fresh coolant and tensioner bearing change) (If the water pump was not leaking I'd leave it) Replace any leaking seals as required.
All the fluids Engine oil, gearbox and diff oil
Check brakes and change Brake fluid
Then you know for sure when it was all last done.

You would be surprised how old the oil is in the diff and gearbox, many people forget to change it.

[tdskip]

Thanks guys. All new fluids for sure, will go after the belt as well.

Thanks.

[dmwhiteoak]

Actualy its pretty simple. Do some research and take your time. You will be fine.