When should I change the timing belt on a 95 festiva?

[bcoy]

when should I change it? or on what mileage?
now it's nearly 80,000KM.
I got it from a granny, so pretty low mileage at this age.

[Team Lightning]

I don't have my book handy but I'm sure its every 60,000 miles or 96,500 km. As a precaution, I always change the water pump too.

[bcoy]

thanks a lot. wt other symptom shows that i need to change the belt?

[Bert]

thanks a lot. wt other symptom shows that i need to change the belt?

Typically you change the belt every 100,000 Km. But if your's is original (20 years old!) it will have weathered and cracked over the years and should be changed pronto. One blessing about these cars is that B series engines are non-interference meaning that a broken belt does not result in a broken motor.

[Team Lightning]

Unless it breaks, which stops you immediately, if it stretched enough, I guess it could cause the power to fall off. This could be due to a change in the timing. You should be able to pull the cam/timing belt cover out enough to look at the belt. If it has missing teeth it needs changed immediately. The water pump recomendation is strictly a preventive measure. It doesn't cost that much since you are already in there. I'm sure others will add their advice soon.

Bert responded before I could finish typing.

[WmWatt]

I wouldn't worry about age, just condition. You can remove the upper timing belt cover to inspect condition. I worried about mine and replaced it myself at about 100k km but it was in good shape. I keep it as a spare.

[htchbck]

I change them when they break...

[Bert]

I change them when they break...

Obviously you don't have to pay for towing! I broke one 2 years ago out on a busy road and wound up having to wait 1 1/2 hours for a tow truck and then having to fork over $100 to get the car home. For that kind of aggravation I'd rather change to belt more often than not.

[bcoy]

thanks everyone. but i am not an engine person. can someone plz show me where the timing belt cover is and how can i take that off?

[TominMO]

thanks everyone. but i am not an engine person. can someone plz show me where the timing belt cover is and how can i take that off?

Welcome to the Forum!

Firstly, get a Haynes manual for Festivas/Aspires, or you will waste a lot of time asking very basic questions. The manual will have pictures, and will also give you an idea how easy or difficult a given job is, so you can decide if you want to tackle it yourself.

[zoom zoom]

I change them when they break...

Yea I haven't had one break yet?! I'll run them till they do though, and spend an hour changing it on the side of the road.

[Bathtub Tom]

>>spend an hour changing it on the side of the road.

You reckon? That crankshaft pulley bolt can take that long on its own!