sfierle

How easy is it to inspect a timing belt.? I am looking at a 928 for sale that has no record of when the timing belt was last changed. Current owner said he looked at it, and it look good. I called a local shop and they quoted me $1200-$1400 for replacement. I want to avoid (or delay) this expense, but don't want the belt to snap either. How easy and accurate is it to see if a timing belt is still good?

soontobered84

Get a PPI from a reputable 928 shop.

blown 87

It is diffucult to tell with a visual inspection the condition of the belt, if there are any cracks or you can no longer read the writting on the back of the belt you are taking a chance. A big one if it is a 32 valve motor.

Jim bailey - 928 International

What model year is the car? That makes a big difference as to how critical the belt is. But what happens to the belt is they shear off teeth rarely does one break. It is fairly easy to see and determine that a belt is bad ,worn printing on back cracks etc. BUT nearly impossible to determine if one is GOOD about all you can say is it LOOKS good !

Bill Ball

With no records you have no choice. It needs to be done ASAP and that should be figured into the selling price of the car as defered maintenance. Certainly, it's not nearly as serious in 16 valve cars, but it would be inconvenient at least to have it snap/skip unexpectedly.

sfierle

The car is a 1983 928S US model. It has no service records unfortunately, but pricing accordingly (I think).

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

If there is no maintenance history, then you have to assume it needs to be done. With an '83 US you can presume it is non-interference (unless it has been modified or has big carbon buildup), but regardless when it breaks you will need to get it fixed. If you can't afford this, or can't do the repair yourself, you should probably keep looking.

Even WITH maintenance history, it is perhaps a bit naive to presume it doesn't need to be changed. I have an '89 S4 that is an example of such a 928. A high end repair shop assured me maintenance had been done, but I found the cam sprockets worn.

sfierle

The shop I called said that the '83 was an interfence engine (all 928s in fact), saying that if the belt broke the valves would hit the pistons and the engine would be toast. What is correct? What if the timing belt broke, what would be the damage (I am not saying I won't change the belt)?

neilh

My 81 has had two TB and one Water pump replacement since new, at 70k and 124k. What is your mileage?

neilh

Not all 928's are interference, and a 83 is not, try another shop!

sfierle

The mileage on the one I am looking at is about 75,000, not a perfect car, but a very nice driver. The current owner said that the belt appears to be replaced at one time (he is fairly mechanic and checked it himself). So, what is the consequences of a belt failure on a 1983, is the engine junk or just time to replace the belt with a few other parts?

neilh

It takes a good eye to tell if it has ever been replaced. If it breaks on a non interference engine, you just stop dead, usually in a not very convenient location, and need a ride back home on a flat bed ( never dolly tow a 928!) and replace it... do a search on TB/Wp replacement, you will find everything you need to know.

post your location in MI, there are many tech savvy 'listers' up there who can advise you.

WICruiser

Given that the '83 is a non-interference engine the main problem will be that it will need to be replaced at the most inconvenient time from either a location or a cash flow perspective. If you are happy with the car's performance, appearance, etc. for the price AND you recognize that these cars will require maintenance that is not cheap when done by others, go for it. If you are mechanically inclined and will work on it yourself that is a big plus.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I think the 83 US is non-interference unless there is plenty of carbon build-up on pistons or valves. In that sense you could bend valves if you've got a carbon laden engine. If not, you are looking at immediate loss of power/ tow truck situation. Then you have to do the TB/WP anyway.
If possible I would try to use the $1200 estimate as a bargaining chip and get the seller to cover some of that cost. Then I would change the TB/WP for peace of mind.
Good luck

Bill Ball

I don't know how you would tell it had been replaced unless it had been done recently and the script was still on the backside of the belt. 60k miles is the recommended interval and 23 years is "stretching it", so to speak.