[Qfrank]

I may have just saved myself. Checking under the hood, I noticed an area on the timing belt missing, sort of torn off, maybe .25 of an inch sheared off.



The belt is at the bottom pulley, and it says Contitech Multirib 6pk 1000. Belts are 2 years old, maybe 11,000 miles.



Not sure if the picture does it justice, but what do you guys think?? I know, why bother driving it, just replace them again....which is what i will more than likely do.



I am glad i checked with a flashlight.



Thanks



FQ

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[DaveN]

Looks like there are 3 other fingers letting go as well. Doesn't look reliable at all. I would check for scoring on the pulleys as well, maybe something actually cut that piece out. Definitely a hosed belt.

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[bombfactory]

Yikes - make sure to get a Gates belt this time!

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[Qfrank]

Gates it is.



Paragon has an entire belt(gates) and roller kit for $269, not bad.



Probably time to do the front seals, car has 87k.

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[Chris Vais]

Qfrank, that is not the timing belt that you are looking at. That is the serpentine belt that drives the air conditioning compressor and the alternator. The timing belt is hidden from view behind the shroud on the front of the engine. When you change the belt check the surfaces on all three pulleys to make sure they aren't damaged in some way.

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[Qfrank]

Ahh...good catch. I dont feel so bad right now. Perhaps i can delay the service a bit longer.

So the surface of the pulley would perhaps cut, or hang on the belt in some way, if it had damage.



What will happen if this belt snaps? i just drive home on battery power with no belt, and no charging? Luckily no real need for a/c anymore. I drive the car once a month.



Thanks Chris.

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[Cloud9...68]

I had my AC/alternator belt snap on me once, and it was fine to drive it a few miles on just battery power. This is something that has been discussed at some lenght here; I wouldn't drive more than 20 miles or so that way, though, and I would definitely get this belt replaced asap, and try to find the cause of the damage. Good luck.

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[Chris Vais]

If the pulley surface has been damaged, it has the potential to damage a new belt. If the belt in question fails, you will loose both the alternator and the aircon. If this should occur while you are driving at night, you won't get very far before the battery is flat. There is a second belt that drives the PS pump. If the larger belt fails it has the potential to take out the PS belt with it.

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[tamathumper]

Looks like something came loose and got caught under the belt, perhaps? Anything loose rattling around in the belt covers?

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[94SilverCab]

Why worry? Just drive it until the belt snaps and leaves you stranded...ask me how I know.



Jay

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