Re: 4kq Timing belt/clearance

[Wolff <wolff_b@ix.netcom.com>]

> > 45000 to 60000 is the normal advice, although they very occasionally fail
> > earlier (and they sometimes go to 120000).
> 
>         Hmmm. problem is, I dont How many miles are on mine.  I Know over
> 30,000 cause I have put that many on it in the one year I've owned the
> car.  Any way to check the belt to get some idea of how much longer I can
> go or if It needs to replaced tomorrow? ;-)
> 

I had a really nice looking belt let go at idle (on a 4cyl, so no
damage) and I had a horrible looking belt holding at 95k on the turbo.
If yours looks like this(bottom of linked page):
http://www.digiweb.com/~wolffb/quattro/
Change it yesterday.

Also, I saw a television program where the reporters put a hidden
camera  on a car and video taped a preventative timing belt change. The
mechanic thinking nobody was looking, removed the timing belt cover,
sprayed a bunch of carb cleaner or something similar on the belt with
the engine running, then put the cover back on. Instant timing belt
change! Too bad it's not that easy on a turbo.
Wolff