Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

    
    I'd like to replace the timing belt on my 89 Caravan with 80k mikes.
    Do you think dealer will do better job with better part than the
    average garage?  The dealer job cost $450 compared to others cost
    $150-$200.  Also the average garage garantee only 6 months.
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Jason

    
    	I think you have a chain and not a belt.
    

    
    Are you sure?  I have Chrysler 6 cylinder engine.
    The garage told me I should change the belt.
    
    
    Jason

>                        <<< Note 238.377 by LABC::RU >>>
>
>    
>    I'd like to replace the timing belt on my 89 Caravan with 80k mikes.
>    Do you think dealer will do better job with better part than the
>    average garage?  The dealer job cost $450 compared to others cost
>    $150-$200.  Also the average garage garantee only 6 months.
 
	If it's a 3.0 liter, it's a belt! I'd certainly opt for the
150-200 at the local garage. It's not a *difficult* or *tricky* task.
It's just tedious... Any semi-skilled mechanic can perform it successfully.

Rick

    
    I got the timing belt changed for $250.  Sorry for the wrong info.
    I inspected the old timing belt, it is in perfect condition.
    Also the garage told me that there is oil leak at crank and cam
    seal.  They said it probably will leak into timing belt and cause
    it to slip.  I didn't agree the $100 fix they quote because I don't
    know if this place called "Econo Lub" in Cal. is skilled enough to do
    the job.
    
    Anyone know if this really will cause problem in the future.
    
    Jason
    

    
    	Someone correct me if I'm wrong [yet again 8^)], but why would oil
    	on a timing belt cause it to slip?  I mean, we're not talking about
    	a rubber band on a pulley here ... we're talking about a keyed belt
    	on a similarly-keyed pulley.
    
    	Oil should help more than hurt, since it will keep the belt lub-
    	ricated and reduce the possibility of drying/cracking over time.
    

    On most timing belt equipped engines, the BACK (smooth) side of the
    belt drives the water pump.  This is where slippage could become a
    problem.  Oil leaking onto a spinning belt gets flung around and just
    makes a real mess inside the cover, and eventually starts to leak
    out the bottom.  I had to clean one up with a leaky camshaft seal.
    It was no big deal changing the seal once the belt is off, but if you
    already paid somebody $200. to change the belt, it is a little bit
    late.

    
    	RE: .381
    
    	Yes, but as far as .381 is concerned, the timing belt could slip
    	because of the oil drip.  That's what I was questioning.