Greetings All!

Good news: oldest son think's he will make dean's list at college this semester; bad news: if he does, he gets to take our 91 244 back with him for the next semester ("incentive for academic excellence").

No issues with the car, except the possible age/mileage on the timing belt (124K miles). We bought the car 2 years ago from an independent garage/ dealership (105K at the time). They thought the timing belt had been changed "recently," but had no records--no dated "sticker" on the car either.

Is there some tell-tale sign of belt wear I can check for, or should we just bite the bullet and do the belt over Christmas break? Also, it appears there are no leaks from the coolant pump or any of the seals--is it best to leave these sleeping dogs lie?

Thanks in advance--and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Steve A-

Steve - there were fourteen (14) responses to your virtually identical question posted yesterday. Whassup?
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-944 B230FD plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)

I'd do the belt only. The seals and pump should be OK for several thousand miles yet, and don't fail suddenly, in my experience.
--
Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current)
'80 GLE V8 (Sold 5/03)
'83 Turbo 245
'76 244 (lasted only 255,000 miles)
73 142 (98K)
'71 144 (track modified--crusher bound)
New 144 from '67 to '78
Used '62 122 from '63 to '67

According to the maintenece schedule, Timing belts should be done every 40K. IF it was done when it was supposed to be, you are right at the next scheduled change. For $20 and 3 hours work, send your son off knowing the car not going to leave him stranded one evening.

I have well over 200K on my 200. I have not done my Water Pump or Seals and all is still dry. Some have different opinouns when it comes to these components.
I do have a new Pump and seals on the shelf so ther e is no down time should they go bad.
--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwr and two motorcycles: it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

Just unscrew the top plastic timing cover easily (I think there screws) and look at the belt. If you see cracking on the surface and a brownish color, aging rubber, look closely, then it is original. At that mileage it would definately be obvious.

Good thing is that the belt is real cheap, easy to replace for the home mechanic, and the engine (likely B230) is non-interferance so no head damage if it breaks.

Bad thing is if it snaps he will be strande4d, need to pay towing, and get the job done anyway.

Pop off the cover and take a peak.

Greg