12-04-2017, 11:27 PM
if you buy a timing belt for your 968 from Porsche, you also get this reminder in the box.
while the instructions don't apply to the 968, it does, however, for the M44.40 '87-'88 944S and the M44.41 '89-'91 944S2 since they use the same belt; part number 944 104 323 02. these two earlier versions of the 16 valve engine utilize a spring-loaded tensioner which some neglect to consider that it, too, needs to be "nudged" to adjustment. these earlier tensioners aren't like the 968's sophisticated Aisin unit and with age, the spring tends to lose tensioning strength which is why Porsche includes this reminder along with the timing belt. I have a 944S also, so I know this to be true.
regardless, I make it a habit to check the 968's timing belt 1,500 miles after replacement since I'm in there to readjust the balance shaft belt anyway. for the sake of being humored, I decided to check the timing belt's tension with the factory P9201 tool to see just how accurate the hydraulic unit was — it read 2,7 scale units, precisely where it should be. I checked it three times in a row...same reading. I was impressed, but not surprised.
I had replaced the hydraulic tensioner with a new one from Porsche because I wasn't taking any chances after 175,000 some odd miles; besides, you never know if previous hands compressed it properly in a vise by using a spacer on the tensioner's tail to prevent damage.
in hindsight, I should've checked the tension of the belt with the old hydraulic tensioner to see if it still kept tension to spec.
enjoy your 968—
el jëfe
while the instructions don't apply to the 968, it does, however, for the M44.40 '87-'88 944S and the M44.41 '89-'91 944S2 since they use the same belt; part number 944 104 323 02. these two earlier versions of the 16 valve engine utilize a spring-loaded tensioner which some neglect to consider that it, too, needs to be "nudged" to adjustment. these earlier tensioners aren't like the 968's sophisticated Aisin unit and with age, the spring tends to lose tensioning strength which is why Porsche includes this reminder along with the timing belt. I have a 944S also, so I know this to be true.
regardless, I make it a habit to check the 968's timing belt 1,500 miles after replacement since I'm in there to readjust the balance shaft belt anyway. for the sake of being humored, I decided to check the timing belt's tension with the factory P9201 tool to see just how accurate the hydraulic unit was — it read 2,7 scale units, precisely where it should be. I checked it three times in a row...same reading. I was impressed, but not surprised.
I had replaced the hydraulic tensioner with a new one from Porsche because I wasn't taking any chances after 175,000 some odd miles; besides, you never know if previous hands compressed it properly in a vise by using a spacer on the tensioner's tail to prevent damage.
in hindsight, I should've checked the tension of the belt with the old hydraulic tensioner to see if it still kept tension to spec.
enjoy your 968—
el jëfe
