[V8] operating with timing belt cover off?

[Scott Justusson]

 Er, it's more basic than what you present.  The square tooth timing belt found on the 5ktq is a 5 year 60k service interval part.  At 100k, there is no reason to 'inspect' anything, the belt is only there by sheer luck, and all taking the cover off will do, is to make it easier to see it's not there anymore.  The 200 and all later Audi cars used the "hi torque" shark-tooth belt and gears.  On the v8 that SI was reduced to 60k from 90k via a TSB from Audi.,,  Exactly because by 72k, the majority of the timing belts had already snapped.  Look at the circumstances of the very car you bought!  76k likely the original belt, it didn't 'snap' it failed from age/miles.  The 5ktq is an interference motor, and you should already have failed a visual inspection way before 100k.  I've inspected dozens of 5k belts over the years, never seen one with a running engine at 100k.

That said, to your removing the timing cover idea, I have worked on a variety of VW/Audis (including the 5k) with front covers removed (usually to install an adjustable cam gear) causing a no start.  On most of them, rain water got onto the belt and lifted it off the cam gear = really bad idea.  Others just jumped a tooth or two with no damage.  The cover is there for a reason.

Anyone called me and told me they had 100k on a 5ktq belt, I sure wouldn't need to inspect it for a damn thing.  I wouldn't even let him drive it into my shop.  You are beyond luck, and bordering on insanity?

My .02

Scott J
92 v8 ABT Chip 35k on timing belt



 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Brown <sacheldog at hotmail.com>
To: V8 at audifans.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 21, 2011 10:57 pm
Subject: [V8] operating with timing belt cover off?


hi guys, on my older Audi (i own 2) 

  Its a 87 quattro with 200,000 miles on it. It is currently my winter car, i 

ride my Harley all summer. Anyhow,  i plan on driving this Audi all winter. The 

timing belt has 100,000 on it. I have my mechanic check it periodically when he 

changes my oil and the last few times he said "i looks good" Anyway i don't want 

to spend 500.00 on this car to have that job done and ive never done it myself. 

  So the question is: 

   Do you guys think it would be ok to operate the car this winter with the 

cover off so i can really keep a eye on it and check it every couple of weeks 

for bad spots? 

 What are the chances a small pebble will get under there and cause damage or it 

to lose time? 



 Since i bought the 1990 V8,  i need to save money for that car to get it on the 

road because, yes i bought a nice one off Ebay for 1000.00 with a snapped belt, 

at 76,000 original miles on car. the thing is absolutely perfect with the orig 

sticker for the window except the guy didnt do the belt and bammm,  blown 

engine. 

 

 Should i take chance operating the 87 all winter with 100,000 on belt. 

  thanks

  Chris 





 
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