Terceless

[canoeontheriver]

Just got Pete running, tires purchased, mounted,balanced,carb kit, general cleaning, new wipers, headlight...etc...Timing belt jumped! Fairwell Pete! Only had him 3 days, so very sad. Goodbye

[marlinh]

Don't get rid of the car! These engines are non interference. Easy repair.

[dlb]

yes, marlene is right. put a new belt on, do the water pump while you're at it, and it will be good for another 60,000 miles/100,000 km.

[Petros]

what makes you think it is the timing belt? did you trash the engine?

there is a condition that occurs on these engines, the exhaust valve head can break off if it was running with the timing retarded to the factory (emissions) setting of 5 deg or less. It causes the exhaust valves to run hot and over heat, sometimes breaking a peice off (if you are lucky it does no damage but you have to pull the head and repalce the valve), and sometimes the whole head of the valve drops off and does a lot of damage. Major overhaul usually have to replace a lot of internal parts, or replace the whole engine.

but the others are correct, you will not harm the engine if the timing belt skips or even brakes off, the valves clear the pistons in the full open position (very nice feature of these cars).

engines are fairly cheap, it is not a reason to junk the whole car if the body is decent, not full of rust. I would much rather replace an engine than do body work any day, or fix a lot of rust.

[canoeontheriver]

Thanks for all comments! Pete is safely in my care and will live on. As soon as this cold snap passes I will go to work on him. He has a new water pump so that won't have to be done, new radiator too, but since he sat for a while I will make sure the crank shaft seal is not leaking. I read a thread that said it can cause the timing belt to slip if its throwing oil. Have not checked to see if rotor on distributor turns when I crank it but I suspect its OK. Any other suggestions will be apreciated!

[canoeontheriver]

PS I will make any other post in the proper catagory....before someone asks me to.

[Gottolovem]

My best suggestion is to learn how to do all your repairs yourself.
Their easy little cars to work on and if you ever get stumped the people here on this forum will walk you through it.

[canoeontheriver]

I have always "had to" do all my own mechanic work...can't bring myself to pay someone $400 or $500 to do a job when cost of parts are maybe $15-20 bucks. Guess I'm just to tight! If I've got the tools or can borrow or rent them I'll do it myself, besides that, I'm a freak I actually enjoy it and get a lot of satisfaction from it. One of my favorite things to say is "Do by self". Its the AMERICAN way...You guys are great! Thanks

[Gottolovem]

that sounds like me
you're going to fit in just fine around here