When should i be chaning my timing belt?

[BadBong]

Hi guys,

I know the obvious answer is 100,000kms.

My car's only done 60,000kms but it's just ticked over 10 years old... does that warrant a change of timing belt (and accessories)?

My local garage says yes. MX5 specialist says no.

Can someone please enlighten me? Thanks.

[Richee]

I am with the local guy, rubber stuff does perish.
100,000 Km or every 10 years

Who is your MX5 specialist?

Richard

[PUR157]

FWIW, our engines are non-interference so a broken timing belt only means stranded car, not destroyed engine.

And from that it's up to you whether or not you want to change it!

[wun911]

has anyone here had theirs break before 100 k km but it broke just cause its really old???

[Uncle Arthur]

When does your heart tell you that you should change it?

[Patty]

I've had a Pajero io do 120k+ kms before we did the timing belt (not because it failed). Your luck may vary

[two40]

FWIW, our engines are non-interference so a broken timing belt only means stranded car, not destroyed engine.

Mind elaborating on that a bit? Thanks

[Uncle Arthur]

Non interference means no overlap between the intake and exhaust valves and the piston head. In an interference engine, the thing that stops the valves meeting the piston in a mangled mass of metal at 6000rom is the timing chain.

See here:

http://www.autoeducation.com/blog/engin ... d-to-know/

[SPy vs. SPy]

The manual says every 100000 kilometres doesn't say anything about time.

I'd get the water pump inspected for any leakage, if it is, then do the lot together.

Failure to proceed may sound fairly simple until you factor in where it fails to proceed. A 1000 kilometres from home can end up an expensive 1000 kilometres from home, likewise in the middle of peak hour traffic with road works thrown in.

[93_Clubman]

I know the obvious answer is 100,000kms. My car's only done 60,000kms but it's just ticked over 10 years old... does that warrant a change of timing belt (and accessories)? My local garage says yes. MX5 specialist says no. Can someone please enlighten me?

Here's some discussion from a few years ago:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=24111

[BadBong]

thanks mate, looks like it's a yes.

[bruce]

To add my 2c, I would say no, leave it. Ten years is nothing. I've never heard of a timing belt go in a 5.

[93_Clubman]

thanks mate, looks like it's a yes.

Ultimately it's your call - we can only provide a range of views.

I've also not heard of one breaking on an older low km car, but I can't say it won't happen. If you're prepared to risk being stranded, which would depend on the driving you do, then it's a no...