Well, I've had both chains and belts on many of my cars. Th reason fo
the belts are that they are more efficient. They use less power than
thier counterpart, the chain. As a result, higher mileage. This is one
of the changes that were done to meet CAFE("Corporate Average Fuel
Economy", or some such thing). They are also used to reduce the engine
noise.
My most recent change was done on an 86 VW Golf. I think that the cost
of the belt was around $10.00 US. Not a bad price for preventative
maintenance. Yes. The valves would be gonners as would possibly the
pistons if the belt were to go. That is why it is called "Preventative"
maintenance. This car has over 160K miles. Just replaced the front wheel
bearings yesterday. Much of the maintenance on this is done by myself or
my kids. What a great learning experience.
Previously replaced the timing belt on a Chrysler 2.2L engine. This was
a wile ago but I think that the belt cost around $20-25.00.
Alas, neither of my kids are interected in my MGA's.
Anyway, comparing service prices done on late model cars to DIY costs on
LBC's is an unfair comparison.
Chuck Schaefer
baldycotton@pop.mindspring.com wrote:
>
> At 11:28 AM 6/16/98 -0500, you wrote:
> >Well, I would say that the timing belts are worse. You have to get them
> >replaced 60,000 to 100,000 miles and sometimes, this work requires major
> >work (i.e. removing engine). And if the belt isn't replaced, you run a
> >higher risk (as opposed to timing chain) of it breaking and destroying your
> >engine. Timing chain is better in my opinion. Why do they use belts, anyway?
>
> Yikes! Porque questan mucho dinero! Not only is a belt a bad idea... but
> in my '94 Intrepid, they used a PLASTIC tensioner! And of course, when you
> get up to 60,000 miles, at which time the belt is stretched to about 12
> feet in diameter, the tensioner and the water pump are to be replaced.
> (The water pump, because they are so hard to get at, and since you're in
> there and they need to be replaced every X number of miles anyway...) You
> get it. Fortunately, the tensioner replacement is made of steel. Thank
> God for small favors.
>
> Here's how it panned out... Belt $95.08. Tensioner $80.14. Water pump
> $109.85. A little for antifreeze, and labor, and it comes to $450!
>
> Who thinks to ask questions like that when buying new?
>
>
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