Miata Mailing List: November 1999, Message #813

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Kraak family wrote:
> 
> I changed mine at 96,000 km or about 60,000 miles and the belt looked as
> good as new. I enjoy working on my car and learning about it so from that
> standpoint it was worth it but I wouldn't recommend that people waste so
> much money on this. Dealerships love to scare  people into spending hundreds
> on a new timing belt when the consequences are relatively minor. If it was
> to break it wouldn't be a big deal unless you were far from home or a
> garage.
> Anyone want to buy an almost new timing belt?
> Steve

You should include the disclaimer: On non-interference engines.

Yeah yeah, its a miata list, and we know (or now know :) that
miata have non-interfence engines, so there is little risk of
damaging the valve train if the timing belt breaks. However, we
also have OTMs, most of which are interference engines.

Don't be running 100K on you 92 Accord for example. Snap that
belt and expect to pay 1200-2G for head work.

;)

- b

-- 
Brian P. Van Lieu               
95 Frost GSR Coupe - Philly Region SCCA ST1 #88
92 Sunburst Miata #1035 - Not CS legal anymore 

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