Good advice. Also ask them how much to replace the water pump at the same
time since the labor should be zero when they are already replacing the
timing belt so incremental cost will be the part cost. If the water pump
goes after you do the timing belt it will basically double your cost. and
could shorten the life of the new belt as well.
Bob
> In the words of dirty Harry, "Do you feel lucky punk?".
> I've taken the chance,but for peace of mind, replace the belt soon, it
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Your transmission will not tolerate a mistake.If you do not get the right
> fluid, you will have a rebuild in your future.
Hi all,
Thank you so much for replying.
But, is there a way we could know that it is time to replace the Timing
belt / Water pump? I cannot afford at this time to replace them. So,
what is the best way we could know that it SHOULD be replaced?
I just got the oil changed at EZ Lube and I asked one of the guys there
the possible reason for low mileage. I was told that since there is
very less coolant in my radiator, it could be causing issues. So, what
is the liquid we put in the radiator? Is it just water or the coolant?
And what is best one available in the market?
Thanks all for your suggestions.
Raja
Koik - 24 Feb 2006 04:35 GMT
Timing belts can go out without any warning whatsoever. And if it
happens while you are on the freeway, or even if just cruising the
streets, it can mean disaster. It basically freezes the valves in
whatever position they happen to be in when the break occurs. And
although the valves freeze, the pistons do not for several revolutions
of the motor.
The result is pistons reaching the top end of their travel in the
cylinder, finding exhaust or intake valves in the full open position
and promptly smashing them into warped little chunks of useless metal.
At the same time, the piston doesn't take the battering too well
either and can suffer greatly.
But the fun isn't over yet. All that broken, twisted and red hot metal
you have just created is now free to get jammed against the cylinder
walls making cool little gouges and scrapes which just about puts the
icing on the cake. Your fantastic new/used car is now a very awesome
paper-weight, unless you have several thousand dollars more to buy and
install a new motor.
Just a graphic explanation to let you know the importance of having it
done asap. Of course, I didn't change mine until the 75k mark, but I
was uneasy about it from 60k on.
> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Raja
Eric F - 26 Feb 2006 20:33 GMT
Raja,
low mileage has nothing to do with low coolant or more water.
I have an 01 spyder v6, it's a gas guzzler, especially since it hauls butt!
I average 20mpg around town with freeway.
The timing belt should be replaced 75k on average. timing belts can easily
last 90k, but since the engine is an interference engine, it should be
replaced at a decent interval, 75k is safe.
the 60k checkup from the dealership is a joke and should be pretty much
ignored. You can visually check 70% of the car by looking at it.
the rest is easy fluid changing, oil, tranny (the spyder has no tranny
filter, just drain atf and add more). and check the CV axles. Not to big of
a deal.
the timing belt job yes should have the water pump replaced as well and also
the tensioner pullys.
> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Raja
Raja - 27 Feb 2006 18:45 GMT
Eric,
That information helps me a lot ! Thanks for that.
I am slowly learning about this auto stuff now :-) Thanks to you all
who have helped me.
Can you suggest me what coolant would be best suitable? Also, where do
I fill this coolant? Into the radiator ?? How often do we need to fill
in water into the radiator?
I called up pep boys for replacing the timing belt and they are asking
for about $450 for it which does not include water pump. Is this
reasonable? Also, is it better to buy a timing belt and water pump from
Autozone and then get it replaced by Pepboys or have it purchased there
itself?
Please suggest. Again thanks for answering my questions.
Cheers
Raja