interference engines and timing belt changes

[kwak88]

just curious... for those with "interference" type engines. what was your mileage when you changed your timing belt?


my cars previous owner changed it around 10k-20k... its now around 73k and 16 years later.

obvious signs point to getting the belt change now, but funds are an issue. (dealer says almost $500 including taxes and labor). how far can i drive it before it becomes pretty much a necessity to change?

[theholycow]

Just a guess from the peanut gallery: In your case, I'd be far more worried about the 16 years than the 50-60k miles.

[PILL]

Change it. Unless, of course, you are planning an engine swap in the near future

[VTECaddict]

not sure what the recommended interval is. honda recommends 100k for timing belt. i second theholycow. 16 years is a lot of time for a belt to rot. when the t-belt goes on an interference engine, you're gonna be looking at a lot more than $500. or when it implodes, you can use that as an excuse for a swap.

an independent shop should be able to do it cheaper. just make sure they use an OEM nissan belt instead of some cheapo aftermarket third party.

[padauk_dust]

Correctly maintained/tensioned belts often would last longer than the recommended change intervals. As others have said, the age of the belt is putting the engine in jeopardy. Get it replaced ASAP. I wouldn't drive it knowing that it's that old, to be honest.

[kwak88]

ok...im going to the dealer tomorrow.

it never struck me as being so urgent, because i have never actually heard of anyones engine failing due to a t-belt snapping. to be honest, i probably never would've known about it until i looked online (and apparently it is the biggest dam deal in the world!)

o well..