Timing Belt Replacement
 

My '97 SVX has almost 29 000 miles on it and I have had it coming up on 3 years. I may be able to find out if the timing belt has been replaced by the previous owner since I know the dealer where he serviced it since I have more major services done by this same dealer. This dealer is pretty good at doing what is necessary so I assume it has been done at some point as they always kept my previous SVX on schedule.

I believe the maintenance schedule says something like replace it every 5 years but at this point I don't actually know if it has ever been changed. Should I be worried about this? If I find out it hasn't been changed in the last 5 years should I get it done ASAP or should I be okay for a while?

Re: Timing Belt Replacement
 

The SVX engine is a non-interference engine.
That means that if the timing belt breaks you should not bend the valves.
If it does break the engine will stop/die.

Re: Timing Belt Replacement
 

At such a low mileage, it probably wasn't replaced, as the recommended interval was 60,000 miles.



My 96 had the original timing belt when first changed at 123,000 miles back in late 2009.

Replacement was done by svxfiles. When we pulled the original belt off it was still perfect; no cracking or deterioration and all the factory markings were still there. It was hard to destinguish the original belt from the new OEM one. Not bad for a 13-year-old belt

Tom jokingly said we could just put the old one back on and save the price of a new belt.

Likewise, newsvx has the original timing belt on his 97 with 80,000+ miles, and he is a real stickler for maintenance.

I am sure you are fine.

.

Re: Timing Belt Replacement
 

Last year when my 1997 had 37K miles I had the timing belt, pulleys, and tensioner replaced. Also the water pump replaced, timing belt cover and valve cover seals were done as well.

I thought it would be good to get it done. The car is almost 16 years old.

Although it wouldn't hurt if you didn't do it but why skimp on service and preventative maintenance on such a rare low mile SVX?

Re: Timing Belt Replacement
 

I would leave it. By replacing everything there is more chance of a problem or a mistake being made. It's not going to break.