Can this really happen?...Belt snap, and then dead engine?...

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by jaykay

What is an appropriate maintenance interval for the belt: time / kilometres?

I believe mine is already five years old

As I recall there there is a bright red light on the temp gauge .....not sure if if it gives adequate warning of overheating. I would think it comes on you are already in deep trouble

Every 60k miles for polyrib belt. I changed it at 50k for peace of mind and then kept the old one as a spare in the front trunk in case I break down on a Sunday when no parts dept are open and I'm left without a belt.

Change procedure:
60k Mile Scheduled Maintenance (60k, 120k, 180k, 240k, 300k, 360k)

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by bwdz

As cheap as the belt is I would just replace it if you are even thinking about it. You can just look at it and see if there is any cracking and stretch.

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Every 60k miles for polyrib belt. I changed it at 50k for peace of mind and then kept the old one as a spare in the front trunk in case I break down on a Sunday when no parts dept are open and I'm left without a belt.

Change procedure:
60k Mile Scheduled Maintenance (60k, 120k, 180k, 240k, 300k, 360k)

Will do....good suggestions! All should have a spare...

[10/10ths]

.....my 986 in 2015.

Even though she was a 2004 with only 25,000 miles on her, I changed the serpentine belt AND all the idler pulleys upon purchase.

My technician advised me that it was probably overkill to do this, but followed my instructions and did it for me.

Afterward, he told me that it was probably a good move, because one of the idler pulleys was a bit crunchy.

I've seen an example on the forums, FWIW, of an idler pulley that seized and the serpentine belt rubbing created enough friction heat to ignite the belt, which then burned the car down.

Belts are cheap, cars are expensive.

I'd change the darn thing every 50,000 miles no matter what.

[Lew]

Originally Posted by jaykay

Will do....good suggestions! All should have a spare...

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Every 60k miles for polyrib belt. I changed it at 50k for peace of mind and then kept the old one as a spare in the front trunk in case I break down on a Sunday when no parts dept are open and I'm left without a belt.

Change procedure:
60k Mile Scheduled Maintenance (60k, 120k, 180k, 240k, 300k, 360k)

I mentioned this in another thread. Gates recommends changing their belts if 6 years old. I changed my drive belt at 30k. 60k is a long time running a drive belt. I say don't wait that long. A OEM belt is only $25.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Every 60k miles for polyrib belt. I changed it at 50k for peace of mind and then kept the old one as a spare in the front trunk in case I break down on a Sunday when no parts dept are open and I'm left without a belt.

Change procedure:
60k Mile Scheduled Maintenance (60k, 120k, 180k, 240k, 300k, 360k)

Do these belts have a shelf life? My friend gave me one a while ago and I have no idea how old it is. It has never been installed.