|
The timing belt interval is 50K miles. Only the 93 models had an extended life belt, supposedly good for 100K.
They can last much longer than they're "supposed" to... if the engine is leak free. Oil on the timing belt, as with most rubber parts, will drastically shorten it's lifespan, by causing the rubber to break down.
The belt job should not be expensive at a shop- not much for special tools is needed and it's not an interference engine. The belt lists for something like $22 at the dealer: you can get quality parts through online sources for much less. See www.fcpgroton.com for a great foreign car parts mail-order dealer. They have a belt kit, with seals, for this car for less than $15.
I would also do at least two other services. I would replace the flame trap- this is a plastic T or Y shaped piece between intake runner 3 and 4- there are 2 large hoses and a small vacuum hose on it. It's your car's equivalent of a PCV valve. Replacing this breather is essential to preventing seals from blowing out. Costs $3 or so for the kit. Yeah, three bucks.
The throttle body should be cleaned out. You'll need a gasket (80 cents) and a can of carb cleaner ($4 or so locally). 3 13mm nuts, a plug, a clamp, a little linkage rod and you'll have it off for cleaning. Takes some time, some rags and a little patience but the car should run much smoother when it's cleaned out.
I would also assess the condition of the water pump with the timing belt job. Any hint of leakage, it should be changed too. Access requires taking the timing cover off, so it's the right time to change the pump if you're having the belt done.
Good luck with it!
--
::: Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244 M47 211K ::: 90 745GL M47 273K ::: 88 245DL AW70 190K ::: 84 242DL Project ::: 70 VW Bus ::: 70 VW Pickup Project ::: 71 VW Notchback :::
|
