Timing belt - has it been done?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
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From: SoCal
Timing belt - has it been done?
Hi all,
I recently picked up an 04 RA w/105k on the clock. My dilemma now is determining whether I am: a) massively overdue for a timing belt change or b) just fine for the next 15k. I bought the car from an auction so I have no background on it whatsoever. The good news is it seems to have been well maintained over all - all the fluids are at the proper levels and look clean, looking inside the valve cover the mechanicals are quite clean and free of sludge (which I am thinking indicates frequent oil changes), air filter is clean as can be and the car runs flawlessly.
I pulled the upper timing cover and the belt looks to be in fine shape - no visible cracking and the grip bars on the teeth of the belt are in good shape and not polished down. Also, there is no visible printing on the belt (which seems strange to me as a Subaru guy). I was also delighted find what I think is a missing bolt on the cover - indicating to me that whoever changed the belt might not have been meticulous - but it was changed!
So, my questions for those of you far more experienced with this engine that I:
1. Does the factory belt have printing (Mitsubishi, timing marks, anything?) I know this stuff can be worn off by the idler but there is usually some evidence on cars I have worked on in the past.
2. Is the upper timing belt cover supposed to have 4 bolts? The one closest to the front of the car on mine was missing.
Any and all info is greatly appreciated!
I recently picked up an 04 RA w/105k on the clock. My dilemma now is determining whether I am: a) massively overdue for a timing belt change or b) just fine for the next 15k. I bought the car from an auction so I have no background on it whatsoever. The good news is it seems to have been well maintained over all - all the fluids are at the proper levels and look clean, looking inside the valve cover the mechanicals are quite clean and free of sludge (which I am thinking indicates frequent oil changes), air filter is clean as can be and the car runs flawlessly.
I pulled the upper timing cover and the belt looks to be in fine shape - no visible cracking and the grip bars on the teeth of the belt are in good shape and not polished down. Also, there is no visible printing on the belt (which seems strange to me as a Subaru guy). I was also delighted find what I think is a missing bolt on the cover - indicating to me that whoever changed the belt might not have been meticulous - but it was changed!
So, my questions for those of you far more experienced with this engine that I:
1. Does the factory belt have printing (Mitsubishi, timing marks, anything?) I know this stuff can be worn off by the idler but there is usually some evidence on cars I have worked on in the past.
2. Is the upper timing belt cover supposed to have 4 bolts? The one closest to the front of the car on mine was missing.
Any and all info is greatly appreciated!
Stop by your local Mitsu dealer, give them the VIN, and see if they have a service history or not. IMO, if you can't find out for sure, just change it, then start fresh on the service intervals.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
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From: SoCal
Actually local Mitsu dealer was already on my list for Monday. Assuming that isn't conclusive can anyone confirm that there should indeed be four bolts holding on the upper timing cover? I understand a missing bolt is far from a smoking gun but I'm honestly just curious at this point.
I'm on board with assuming worst case and changing the belt, but frankly I don't have $1000 sitting around to do a full belt, water pump, tensioner replacement at the moment so it will just mean I have to drive the Suby for another month or two. On a side note, can anyone recommend an independent Mitsu shop in SoCal that I can be confident knows what they are doing and won't charge me stealership prices?
I'm on board with assuming worst case and changing the belt, but frankly I don't have $1000 sitting around to do a full belt, water pump, tensioner replacement at the moment so it will just mean I have to drive the Suby for another month or two. On a side note, can anyone recommend an independent Mitsu shop in SoCal that I can be confident knows what they are doing and won't charge me stealership prices?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Well, talked to the local dealer and they have no records for the car so no love there. The P/O lived less than a mile from the dealer so I can't imagine that they would go someplace else, sooooooooo I think I need to just bite the bullet as you all suggested.
Local dealer quoted $570+tax to replace timing, balance, and accessory belts. To their credit I asked about tensioner, water pump etc. and the service writer's response was "I can do it if you want but they're bulletproof, I have yet to see one fail on a properly maintained car" - nice not to be upsold for once. Given that this is Southern California (= expensive labor) that seems pretty reasonable.
Does anyone have any evidence to the contrary of what this guy is claiming in terms of reliability of the supporting components? I really don't want to throw extra cash at this if it's not really necessary, but at the same time don't want to miss the opportunity to replace these things if they really are due. Thanks as alway for all your input.
Local dealer quoted $570+tax to replace timing, balance, and accessory belts. To their credit I asked about tensioner, water pump etc. and the service writer's response was "I can do it if you want but they're bulletproof, I have yet to see one fail on a properly maintained car" - nice not to be upsold for once. Given that this is Southern California (= expensive labor) that seems pretty reasonable.
Does anyone have any evidence to the contrary of what this guy is claiming in terms of reliability of the supporting components? I really don't want to throw extra cash at this if it's not really necessary, but at the same time don't want to miss the opportunity to replace these things if they really are due. Thanks as alway for all your input.
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
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From: Austin, TX
I replaced timing, balance, and serpentine belts myself and since I was saving on labor I went ahead and did the water pump while I was down there.
Not only is the water pump ungodly expensive (either $120 or $180 I cant remember exactly), the one I took out showed very little to now wear, would EASILY last till 120k I still have it laying around my garage I think if you want some pics?
I changed em out myself @ ~59,500 miles back in august. FYI
Not only is the water pump ungodly expensive (either $120 or $180 I cant remember exactly), the one I took out showed very little to now wear, would EASILY last till 120k I still have it laying around my garage I think if you want some pics?
I changed em out myself @ ~59,500 miles back in august. FYI
I replaced timing, balance, and serpentine belts myself and since I was saving on labor I went ahead and did the water pump while I was down there.
Not only is the water pump ungodly expensive (either $120 or $180 I cant remember exactly), the one I took out showed very little to now wear, would EASILY last till 120k I still have it laying around my garage I think if you want some pics?
I changed em out myself @ ~59,500 miles back in august. FYI
Not only is the water pump ungodly expensive (either $120 or $180 I cant remember exactly), the one I took out showed very little to now wear, would EASILY last till 120k I still have it laying around my garage I think if you want some pics?
I changed em out myself @ ~59,500 miles back in august. FYI
