How often should you change your belts?

[F1Ace]

I am looking at a 1990 Esprit with 32,000. miles and the timing belts (C-service) have never been changed. It seems to me that will be my first bill if I buy the car.

On the other hand I am also looking at a 1995 S4s with 40,000. miles but have read the newer belts can go 100,000. miles without changing them.

So if you bought the 95, would you change the belt straight away?

Thanks!
Wes

[Del-Esprit]

In my opinion the timing belt should be changed on the strict 24k or 2 years as per orgional spec. The idea that a belt could last 100k in an esprit is more than a little wishful thinking and most probably was a statement to get past some US import restriction.

If the timing belt should slip or break then expect a massive repair bil if you are driving fast at the time feel lucky to be able to pay it.

It isn't easy to see if a belt is worn as the outside can look pristine but the internal cores be on the point of failure, conversely the outer coating could look a little worn but the inside still ok. They tend to be ok until they go ping !!!

[incautious]

The reason for the longer belt change was the switch to HSN(highly saturated nitrile)material belts. This came about because of the stricter emissions laws going into effect in the US which require 100,000 emissions pass.Seems that the Jap car manufacturers, didn't want to retool thier engines back to timing chains.(can't have a chloroprene belt jump a tooth, as this would mess up emissions, and the manufacturer would have to pay for the repair). This law went into effect in Calif. first, which is why these cars had longer service intervals, even though they may have all had the new HSN belt. It is also interesting to note that even under 'sevear' use they must last 60,000 miles. So yea you should have the belt changed esp if it's an 'A' belt. JAE sells the HSN belt for about 45 bucks a deal.
If you want to have the c service done it's about $1800

[f1ace]

Thanks guys!
Being new to this I'm still feeling my way around. It's a bit confusing when one place you read 2 years and another 3 years, etc.. Anyone know what it says in the manual, or what the dealers say are the mileage intervals for A, B, and C services?

And by the way, that's the best explanation I've ever heard as to why the California cars supposedly go 100,000 miles. I should have guessed!

Being a 1995 I believe it would have the newer belt, but as you say, even the Esprit Fact File says every 3 years so it's time. Still, ouch! Oh well, time to beat the poor guy up on the price some more.

Wes