Just a quick timing belt question. I have a 1995 with just about 69,300 miles so I guess the timing belt
         procedure is coming up soon. My questions is, are there any signs that the belt is going? Anything to
         look out for? Any signs of wear that are noticeable? Or is it one of those things that will just snap
         unexpectedly? My friend had a T-belt snap on his Alfa and he said something about misfires going on for
         a while just before it broke. Thanks for the info everyone.

         Alex

         No there will be no signs when the belt is gone it just broke than you need a new motor....

         My friend have a Porche 928 his know his support to replace the belt but his put it off than one few
         month down the road the belt broked $400 job now become a $6000 to rebuilt his 928...

         his said this was a stupid thing that his have ever done...tried to save few hundred dollard end up costing
         him big times.....

         When it hit 70,000 just change it ....... 850 motor are not cheap to repair if the timing belt is gone...

         Hope this will help...

         Shahnawaz

... posted by Ken  on Sunday, 4 March 2001, at 5:28 p.m. ...in response to "On the topic of
         timing belts....." posted by Alex.
 

         The engine in the 850 is known as an interference engine. Without the timing belt the valves, lifters and
         cylinder heads all have no control and all beat the hell out of each other. Simply put if the timing belt
         breaks engine will be in need of thousands of dollars worth of repair. To me not worth taking the
         chance.

... posted by Mrsha  on Tuesday, 6 March 2001, at 9:05 p.m. ...in response to "On the topic of
         timing belts....." posted by Alex.
 

         Alex if the belt broke you are cook... you will damage the valves.... and the whole head top end....
         expensive to repair...

         Yes they do make the belt out of steel... on my BMW 635CSI it last for life never have to replace it....

         Belt I think because it more quiter less noice....

         but also more costly...

         I like the BMW idea better but I do my 850 turbo... so replace the belt

         You can do it yourself... not that hard...

         hope this answer your question'

         I don't get it. What is it that happens to th motor that if the belt breaks the engine is dead? I mean if
         some other parts stops spinning and the motor stays on is that bad that the whole motor dies i just don't
         get it explain this to me. If the belt is really that important they should of made belts semi steel or
         something that just won't break

         --
         Aj

         Some manufacturers are going back to timing chains because they last longer.

         --
         Wayne '94 854GTAS 93K

... posted by Uncle Olaf on Sunday, 4 March 2001, at 6:25 p.m. ...in response to "Re: On the topic
         of timing belts....." posted by aj.
 

         With an "interference" engine (like a Volvo "white motor"....or any Honda) if the belt breaks, the pistons
         will then collide with the open valves. This will bend/break/destroy the valves, and, if you're really
         unlucky, gouge a piston or two.

         The Volvo "red" motors are mostly non-interference, meaning the car will just stop. Still, this isn't a good
         thing either, if it happens on an acceleration ramp when there is a fully loaded cement truck bearing
         down on you.

         (The "red" 16-valve B234F IS an interference motor, also.)

         Timing chains have been used on some engines, notably on 4 cylinder Saabs. They don't require
         periodic replacement. They are noisier and more expensive than belts.

         Since a timing belt can break *without*any*warning* I'd replace it when the manufacturer says to
         replace it. Check your owner's manual, the 70k interval is only for recent "white motors"!!!! I believe the
         21mm belt on the '92-'93 needs to be replaced every 50,000 miles!!!

         -Uncle Olaf
 

... posted by Keith  on Monday, 5 March 2001, at 6:01 p.m. ...in response to "Re: On the topic
         of timing belts....." posted by Uncle Olaf.
 

         I had a timing belt break on me once on a Ford. The results were disastrous. In short, a new engine. I
         just passed my 70 K and had the timing belt and the serpentine replaced. A little peace of mind
         considering the Volvo motor will cost you at least twice the Ford cost me.