Organization: UNLV Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 93 22:30:33 GMT
Lines: 15
Gary,
As has been noted, many engines are designed such that the valves may hit the pistons if the timing belt breaks. This is one of the maintenence areas that can be analyzed quite easily:
Replace belt - $250 - $300 (no problems)
Repair engine - $1500 - ? (no guarantees)
It will not be evident when the timing belt is going bad, you can't tell just by a casual inspection. Many times the belt will not break, but several "teeth" may shear off. If this happens, you stand a chance of bending all of the valves (instead of just a few if the belt snaps), and doing extensive piston damage.
Timing belts have gotten much better over the years (Alfa Romeo and Fiat used to recommend replacing the belt every two years regardless of mileage), but they will not last forever. Many companies are now recommending 90 - 100k service intervals, but it would be prudent to err on the side of caution. (Can you think of a time when an engine failure would not be a big problem?)
When you do have the belt replaced, check the water pump too. On many cars, the pump is driven by the timing belt, and much duplicate labor cost can be avoided by replacing them at the same time, (Late Hondas, and Audi 5000's are good examples). On the Hondas, labor is 3 hr. to replace just the timing belt or the water pump, or 4 hr. to do both.
The dealer is a good place to have the work done as they have access to all the latest info on updated parts and warranty stuff, but if you don't trust them (I've seen many that I wouldn't trust to do an oil change properly), find an independent that specializes in asian cars. Avoid any garage that "Specializes in Foreign and Domestic Cars."
