[V8] Re: timing belt. Was "Interesting '93....

[Roger M. Woodbury]

I think the timing belts and the entire belt system in the V8 is simpler and
less stressed than in the Porsche 928, especially the later cars.  I have no
idea how many engine failures the V8 suffered before Audi reduced the
interval, but it was mostly likely not many.  Porsche has never offered a
longer period than 60,000 miles that I know of.

One big issue with the V8 is the cam seals at the front of the engine. They
are completely hidden by the inside of the cam covers, and thus it is not
possible to see if they are leaking or not, as the cam covers must be in
place in order to run the engine...the rear covers.  Hence when my V8 was
leaking oil continuously, we searched and searched and searched for the
leak, and never could see where it came from.  We ended up pulling the heads
and checking for cracks...finding none, we then reassembled, and found that
one of the right side cam seals was the culprit.  Thus when a timing belt is
replaced, it is probably a good idea to replace ALL the little rubber
gizzies that you can find...including all the front engine seals, since you
are in there already, although it will add time to the job.

FWIW, I have bid on the V8 mentioned before.  ONE bid, and a small one....it
will NOT stand.  Sigh

Roger