Miata Mailing List: April 1998, Message #217

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OK, so I've got a 1991 (vin #204613) and it is fast approaching 60,000 miles.  
I'm the second owner and I'm positive that the belt hasn't been changed and I'm 
virtually certain that nothing has ever been touched on the engine other than 
oil changes.  Has anyone with the same (weak) crank gone over the 60,000 mile 
change interval?  How far over? Has anyone ever had a belt break?  At what 
mileage?

I'm trying to figure my safety margin here.  I'm not really worried about being 
stranded with a broken belt (although I am planning to do some long road trips 
this year), but if there is a risk of shaft-breakage after replacement I'd as 
soon stretch it out as long as possible.

Another thing-none of the dealers in the Minneapolis area seem to have any kind 
of experience with the crank-shaft problem, at least none that make me 
confident enough to hand over my car and blindly say change the timing belt.  
For a once every 5 (or so) year maintenance item I might be willing to drive to 
some other (semi-nearby) place where a mechanic has an appreciation of this 
problem.

Any comments you might have would be appreciated.  Especially any that other  
(1990 and) early 1991 owners might have.

Thanks,

Eric Thompson
& Silas Mariner (name not set in stone yet)
eric.thompson@us.mw.com
Team Voodoo - It's new and cool!
Team Light Sport Crank