Interference Engines

["R. Cummings" <cumm@flash.net>]

Subject: Re: 5K timing belt

>In a message dated 11/24/98 John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com> writes:

<< <much snippage about timing belt changes and failures> No, the 10V is
not a
hitter. >>

I have an 87 Coupe GT naturally aspirated I5 10V built in late 86. The
dealer told me it was not an interference engine so I didn't worry about
the timing belt. Somewhere around 80k miles the water pump failed and the
engine jumped time.

After changing the belt and pump I discovered bent valves on three
cylinders. That was an expensive BTDT even though I did all the work.

The car ran fine, was parked then would not start. So I believe the damage
was done cranking the engine with the starter.

The moral of the story is: change the belt, pump and maybe the idler every
60,000k.

Bob Cummings 87 Coupe GT 113,000 miles