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Timing Belts
I have a concern about the new L
series V-6 and that’s what I would like to discuss in this
editorial. I wanted to give you some background information and
hopefully provide a little insight from a mechanics point of
view. One thing I have a lot of experience with is European and
Japanese timing belt equipped engines, their tolerances, valve
clearances and what can happen when a timing belt fails. For
those of you that don’t know, your L series engine is designed
by Opel, which is owned by GM of Europe. Saturn is telling new
L series owners that the timing belt should be changed at 100k.
Personally, this is a huge marketing mistake by falsely claiming
the lifespan of a belt to reduce cost of ownership. It is also
a mistake to use this 100K belt as a selling point.
In response to their claim I would
like to warn people how risky it is to try and go 100k on a
piece of rubber. To begin with no other manufacturer has
claimed this yet. Has Saturn invented a magic belt? Should
they sell this wonder belt to the rest of the automotive world
so the other 99 % of automakers don’t have to tell their
customers to replace them every 60-70k? (which btw is the
accepted norm) I don’t think so.
Let
me explains what happens in an "interference" engine when the
belt snaps. An interference engine means that there is no
clearance between the valves and the pistons should the belt cut
loose, what happens is catastrophic engine damage usually
resulting in astronomical repair bills. How much does a
t-belt cost to replace as maintenance? It usually costs between
$200-$600, depending on the car. In the name of lower ownership
costs I ask you, is it worth that risk? Please keep in mind
that rubber will deteriorate over time. This is a simple known
fact. You wouldn't go 100k without replacing your hoses and
accessory belts would you? Or maybe drive 120K on 80K tires? I
didn’t think so. This timing belt is made up of the same
material as an alternator belt! Unlike the alternator belt,
your timing belt works very hard. For one, it is subjected to a
lot of heat. The belt also works under different loads of
stress and works much harder at doing its job than your plain
old accessory belt. Strange how all other car manufacturers
recommend replacing their belts every 60 OR 6 years (industry
average).
I think Saturn is making a bad
decision in advertising this miracle 100K belt. Your car will
be off warranty when your belt snaps and you will be left with a
very expensive repair bill. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I
have nothing to gain by warning people on this subject. As a
master technician I would never recommend going 100,000 miles on
a belt. As far as I’m concerned, it’s suicide for your car.
Joe Cutrone
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