timing belt question
 

I picked up my 86 951from its timing belt, water pump replacement. Other than hearing how many problems the mechanic had (cross threaded bolt in the water pump, balance shafts in wrong) and how he's thinking of no longer working on 944's, it went pretty smooth and the car runs great. (The lower radiator hose did blow on the way though).

My question is, what is the proper mileage for the re-tension?

The mechanic said thatI should come in at 1500 miles then 2500 more miles and then at the 15000 mile service.

Thanks.

RE: timing belt question
 

Call me crazy, but with a 15K mile change interval that I follow religiously I don't even bother to retension. Same goes for the counter-balance shaft belt, especially when the tension is set properly at the change interval using the Porsche tool.

If you have a mechanic who is cross-threading bolts on your aluminum block engine it is most likelytime for you to locateabetter one.

RE: timing belt question
 

Thanks for the information. This mechanic discovered the mistakes ofmy oldmechanic who had disappeared off the face of the earth. Now I know why.

RE: timing belt question
 

One should always consider retorquing etc or re tensioning after fitting new parts.
The initial bedding in will take place quite quickly, and I would think you could do better with a check after 1500-2500 miles rather than wait the full 15K.
But that is based on general experience rather than specific 944 belt knowledge.
Big Bob

RE: timing belt question
 

In my humble opinion 15K just isn't enoughmileage to worry about. Considering "general automotive experience" think for a moment how many other manufacturers, German, Japanese or U.S. that require a retorque or retensionafter a timing belt replacement on their cars. Few, if any. And most of thosebelts go 60K- 90K between replacement.

I think it's a waste of time and money. My cashstays in the wallet in this instance.

RE: timing belt question
 

Never confure Engineering principles with Customer Driven Service Intervals. Belts stretch most in the first few miles. 15K wont be a problem. But the engineering issues remain the same.
Big Bob

RE: timing belt question
 

I don't have a clue what you're talking about. [sm=wtf.gif]

RE: timing belt question
 

Dont worry about it, it was probably bull sh** anyway.[sm=badidea.gif]
Regards Big Bob:D

RE: timing belt question
 

Jeepers I'm a decent home gamer but $500 factory tension tools pretty much scare me. I read that on the later models the self-tensioner did all the work for you with no need for this porsche tool propaganda? Is this false?

RE: timing belt question
 

Self tensioner is deployed on later models.
http://home.ptd.net/~fscheel/images/tensioner.jpg

RE: timing belt question
 

I have an alternate method for performingthe belt service on my 86 turbo that has not failed me. About 10 years ago I borrowed the Porsche Tool from a mechanic who is also a Porsche Club member.

After installing the belts perfectly using the Porsche Tool I measured deflection from several points on the engine block using a metric tape. I now use thosemeasurements whenever I perform a belt service. I always use Conti belts in order to minimize manufacturing fluctuations.

Call me cheap, call me smart or call me crazy but it works great.

RE: timing belt question
 

Hey whatever works right? I just dont want to spend a grand having a porsche guy do it when I can possibly do it myself for under a hundred. The car is only worth a grand. If I gernade the engine it's worth $0 or scrap. Thats great that you have a method but what about the rest of us lol?

Thanks fast,
-Beefey

RE: timing belt question
 

If you need cheap timing belt tools, contact Bruce Arnn at www.arnnworx.com He has been a huge help to the 944 community with his tools that he makes.

RE: timing belt question
 

Yea I found that site with google, I tried to understand his tools method but it seems goofy with all his reference geometry on the tensioner pulley... Have you personally used the tool? Is it any good?

-Beefey

RE: timing belt question
 

Look around to see if someone has a Porsche Tool you can borrow. Once you learn how to use it properly change your belts and then use my metric tape method to make your marks and also make sure to take some good notes. Joining the Porsche Club would be asmart move if you really plan to get serious about working on your944. Someone there will almost certainly loan you the Tool for a few days.

An importantnote for first-time belt changers - when you use the Tool to adjustbelt tension it will appear the belts are too loose. It will have you saying "this can't be right, they seem too loose." Trust the Tool.

If you make thebelts any tighter than the Tool says they will whine & whirr like crazy.

RE: timing belt question
 

Can this self tensioner be retro fitted to older model 2.5s? If so, how much are they?