[s-cars] GP to construct a new timing belt

[Bob Rossato]

> It isn't JUST the tensioner that lets go.
> I had the central hydraulic pump pulley let go. Well the bolts let go, and
> the pulley followed.
> This all happened right after I had the pump rebuilt.
>
> Looking back I am DARN lucky it didn't end the life of my motor.
> I am good with protecting from collateral damage in this instance at
> least....
>
> Mark S

I don't know the circumstances of your failure, and this is the first
instance of this particular failure mode that I've heard, but my first
inclination would be that the bolts weren't tightened properly (either loose
or overtorqued).  Did the pump seize?

My point is that changing the material of the upper timing belt cover won't
necessarily prevent the TB from being damaged.  I've heard quite a few
instances over the last several years of people having this failure
(serpentine belt tensioner) in which the covers weren't damaged, but the
pieces of the serpentine belt still wound up in the timing belt area, and
this is what ultimately caused the timing belt to slip.  Can the timing belt
cover get damaged and have it cause the TB to fail?  Sure, but it's not
always the case.

Everyone is reacting to an earlier comment that the tensioner pulled the
alternator into the timing belt cover and it chewed through it.  But that
was because the mounting bracket loosened up. Again, most likely due to
improper installation.

FIX THE PROBLEM FIRST.  After that, if you still want to put up shields go
right ahead.

Bob