Re: 2.8V6 timing belt

[Chris Newbold <cnewbold@transarc.com>]

At 10:29 AM 6/22/98 , Todd Young wrote:

>Says the timing belt should be replaced at 90k,

Do not wait that long. Despite Gate's 90k recommendation, and
Audi's complete lack of recommendation on the subject of the 
12v V6 timing belt, DO IT AT 60k.

I've heard several woeful stories of belts that let go somewhere
between 60k and 90k. These engines are interference, and cost
big bucks to put back together.

A mechanic friend of mine recently had to salvage a 12v V6 from
a broken timing belt. His cost (for parts, etc.) was over $3200.
I didn't ask what the customer paid...

>figure I'll change the serpentine belt at the same
>time. Anybody had any experience with this?
>How much of a pain is it?

I did, and would recommend, the following: serpentine belt,
timing belt, timing belt tension rollers, water pump and thermostat.
All of this stuff is behind the belt and incur large labor $$$
to replace later. I've heard a couple cases where seized water pumps
or tension rollers have taken out the timing belt...

As for pain, unless you've done an Audi V6 before and have the special
tools, don't even try. There are no reference marks on the cams and
the cam sprockets must be loosened in order to get the correct tension
on the belt. (One of the special tools holds the cams in place while
the sprockets rotate.)

-Chris
1993 90CS