Pete

Hey Guys,
I'm about ready to start up my '86 944 after 10 years or so hibernation. I've rebuilt brakes, installed new fuel pump, filter, and lines, plugs,and will change all fluids. I will follow a detailed procedure as outlined in a recent tech articles issue of Excellence mag. My records show I had the cam belt, balance shaft belt and water pump changed in '05 and they now have about 10,000 miles on them. I intend to change the belts but I would like to do a short road test before replacing the old belts. What is your opinion regarding the risk of the cam belt breaking and doing serious engine damage if I held the speed below say 50 mph and the revs to below say 4000 rpm and didn't go more than about 50 miles or so? I'd really like to see how other things on the car behave such as cooling system, electrical and lighting, etc. before doing the belt job.

Thanks,
Pete

ElRicardo

I recently revived a car that sat for 14 years in a climate controlled storage locker, and I can tell you the belts were toast. I had to peel the adhered timing belt off the camshaft pulley. So my opinion is pretty obvious- I would use a socket to pull the motor to TDC and from there remove all the belts and replace them. Of course, there were a whole bunch of “while you are in there” activities (query this topic), I’d say number 1 is don’t crank that belt!

Tiger03447

Don't do it. Change the belts first...unless you want to do a complete overhaul of the head...save the $$ for other situations and other parts.. 10 years is waaaayy too long...