I just bought a 2004 Evo VIII with 98k on it. The CarFax didn't reveal any maintenance records, and I'm wondering if there is a way to tell if the timing belt has ever been changed? Is there some visual inspection that I can do, or anything along those lines? I bought the car at a car lot, so I have no idea who the previous owners were. I found the thread that discusses How To change the timing belt, and I will use that if need be, but I'm just looking for a way to inspect to see if it has been changed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kenny

 

a visual inspection might reveal your answer but when in doubt it is cheaper to replace belts, etc. than the engine

 

Timing belt & water pump interval is 60k. Not really sure how to determine if it has been changed, however doing it @100k wouldnt be a bad idea if your not sure. As the other member posted, this is an interference motor so better to be safe than sorry.

 

I just bought one at 99K...
I just did everything to it(pullies,both tensioners,wp,etc).


The only quick way is to look how shiny the waterpump looks, if it was even changed, and also remove the top timing cover to inspect the belt. Serp belt inspection might be good to as I alsways change it when doing t belt service.

 

You guys respond with a quickness--awesome!

Would this be the best, as far as quality/price goes, to get for the whole package deal?
http://www.mitsubishiparts.net/catalog/?section=720


I haven't messed with a 4G63 in about 10 years. 10 years ago I had a 1990 Talon TSi that I had bored over .20, etc... and I did replace the timing belt on that. But, man it has been a long time.

I wish there was some way for me to locate the previous owners to ask them what they did or didn't do to this car. Hmmm, I wonder if they were ever a member of this forum? From the CarFax I know that this car started in California, then was in Texas, and finally made it to Florida as a trade in. Then it ended up at a car lot in Pensacola, FL.

 

Yes, it would if you are using OEM.

Some members here use gates stuff since it is good quality and cheaper.
Waterpump especially.

 

Well, if there is a better kit for a better price, then hook me up with a link.

 

water pump isnt driven by the timing belt

 

We had the GReddy timing belt in stock last time I checked. Shoot me a PM and I'll check when I get in in the AM.

 

Never said it was, however they have the same 60k maintenance schedule so they are changed at the same time.

 

If i were you, i'd swap it out. don't play the guessing game with a beautiful car you just bought

 

+1 Just change it!

Better safe then sorry.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ CHANGE IT NOW. You never know what has been done or how it has been done.

 

Alright, I went on that rockauto.com site and tried to put together the things I thought I would need. Let me know if I missed anything (I'm sure I did).

Available Carts:
Part Price Quantity Total Remove
2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER 2.0L L4 Turbocharged DOHC

Engine : Timing BeltRelated Parts
GATES Part # T167 1 5/32" x 57 13/32" (153 Teeth) PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt
Interference engine application B
$26.79 $26.79

Engine : Balance Shaft BeltRelated Parts
GATES Part # T168 1/2" x 20 1/2" (65 Teeth) PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt
Interference engine application B
$10.62 $10.62

Engine : Timing IdlerRelated Parts
GATES Part # T42017 Steel Smooth/Backside (60mm x 10.5mm x 32mm) Timing Belt Pulley
Interference engine application A
$19.34 $19.34

Engine : Balance Shaft Belt TensionerRelated Parts
GATES Part # T41038 Steel Smooth/Backside (55mm x 8.5mm x 18.5mm) - Flanged Timing Belt Tensioner
Interference engine application B
$18.71 $18.71

Cooling System : Water Pump GasketRelated Parts
FEL-PRO Part # 35737 C
$2.65 $2.65

Engine : Timing Belt Tensioner AdjusterRelated Parts
DAYCO Part # 85007 Hydraulic Actuator (Only 6 Remaining)
Hydraulic Timing Belt Actuator; Interference Engine C
$55.79 $55.79

Cooling System : Water PumpRelated Parts
GATES Part # 42577 Water Pump (Standard) (Only 1 Remaining) B
$45.89 $45.89


Subtotal $179.79

 

^^^ you don't need the waterpump gasket.

It comes with the pump.

Serp belt??