timing belt..how often do you replace

[innerware]

Hey, so I was thinking I know I need to have my wifes Corollas timing belt changed every 60k. But that is just a belt. I know the datsun has a heavy duty metal chain. How often does this need to be done? Do they ever break. I don't know the last time it was done, the engine has over 180k. What do you all think? Thanks

[sonomaz]

I think it's a big job but can be done in a weekend. If you've gone 180K on it I would start to consider and entire rebuild and do it then. A straight forward check is to follow the repair manuals guide for adjusting the cam timing sprocket for a streched chain and if you are in the last hole of adjustment you know it is close to time.

 

Paul

[Guest bastaad525]

agreed... check the chain stretch... usually it's not a problem. I've never heard of a timing chain failing in a Z engine... the chain should last the useable life of the engine. I HAVE heard of the tensioners failing.... my turbo engine had started to chew the tensioner up pretty badly. Not sure what would have happened if I hadn't found that out when I did... and there was NO indication of this at all... no weird sound or anything from the front of the engine... I only found out when I was having the front oil seal replaced.

[fl327]

I say leave it be on the L6.

[jeffp]

I have worked on tow cars with timing belts. The 60K replacement is the time to do it.

My Volvo went at 62K A honda went at 65K

So since you have a very good chanvce of smacking the pistons on many cars when the timing belt slips it is better safer then sorry.

L's dont have a balt, but a chain. VG30's have a belt and they also go just about at 60K and they do smack the valve on the piston when they go. Very expensive fix for not wanting to spend 35-60 dollars on a belt.