Hey folks!


Does anyone know of a simplier way to replace a timing belt on a 740 8 valve. My car has just turned over at the 300,000 marker! My belt is about 100,000 miles overdue! My seals are ok. Could I just release the tension off of the belt, via the tensioner, in addition to marking the position of the old belt and just slide the old one off? Further could I then just slide the new one on per the marked lines that I made from the old belt (match new/old)? Currently the belt is not showing any cracks and or oil residue. It is just clean and strong. The was a little rust brown and or powdery residue with the timing belt cover though. Finally what constitues a good belt for my 740? Will the FCP conti and or trw be good, or is the original better. What is the costs for an original?


Regards!

1988 740gle 300,000 miles (no turbo)

The Conti belt from FCP is a Continental, and is the same as original. You should use an IPD crank holder. It is a very good investment (about 40.00) Their site is www.ipdusa.com

That is what i did. Marked the belts and pullies. slid the belt off. transferred the belt marks to the new belt and slid it on. used the rope trick to get the crank bolt off. rope trick worked fine.

When i changed my timing belt i just slid the old one off and put the new one on, making sure to align the marks on the belt with the dots on the pulleys. That makes it sound alot easier than it was because of all the crap i had to take off to get at the belt. I'm not the most knowlegdeable source on this but it worked for my '91 turbo. Make sure to loosen and then tighten the nut on the tension spring every once in a while after you replace the belt as it will stretch.

I also highly recomend you buy or make a crank pully holder. You can get one from IPD or the FAQ section has some plans on how to make one yourself. My timing belt atually broke and i had no means to make one and no time to wait to order one so i had to make due. You will be saving yourself a major headache if you have this tool BEFORE you start.
I can't remember what kind of belt i used. It came in an orage box and was made in Germany. Cost $17 at an import auto parts store in my are. Hope this helps. Good Luck!