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Help, took my car in for a timing belt change, now they want to do $2600 worth of work!

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Old 04-07-2004, 08:24 AM
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Default Help, took my car in for a timing belt change, now they want to do $2600 worth of work!

They say that the cam Adjusters need to be replaced because they are leaking. There is no way I can afford to do this right now. If they are leaking, how important is it that I get them fixed? If they are dropping a little oil on the timing belt, how much faster will this degrade the belt?

Thanks for any advice.

its a 99 2.8 Tip with 97k miles.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:29 AM
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Default not quite sure how the cam adjusters could leak where the belt is... but yeah...

If there is oil on the belt, it may degrade rather quickly.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:32 AM
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How quick is quickly? 10K miles, 50K miles, etc?
Old 04-07-2004, 08:36 AM
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Default The cam chain adjusters don't usually leak on to the belt..

they usually leak onto the exhaust, which causes a very smelly burning oil odor to waft into the cabin. It's very nasty. I would find a different shop, sounds like they are raking you over the coals.

The tensioner job is usually about 4 hours per side on a V6, parts are inexpensive. Best to do it all at once, since you have to lock the cams to do this job.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:38 AM
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Hard to tell really. Honestly I don't know, but oil and rubber don't generally mix well.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:39 AM
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Default I know very little about the 2.8 engines, but I'll say this...

if there is any truth to the claim that fluids are getting on the timing belt...get it fixed NOW! The issue isn't oil deteriorating the belt...it's oil lubricating the belt causing it to slip. It's a toothed belt, so it won't slip very easily, however, IF it does, you're looking at a major headache, and a rather large repair bill.

Best bet...bring the car to a good independent repair shop that specializes in German cars. Get an estimate/advice from them. $2600 sounds like a dealer quote.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:42 AM
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Could this same thing happen to the 1.8T engine?
Old 04-07-2004, 08:44 AM
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I am not qualified to answer that question...anyone else?
Old 04-07-2004, 08:45 AM
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Default Leaking cam adjusters?

Well , if the adjusters are leaking(which is possible), it still wouldn't effect the timing belt. The adjusters are on the backside of the motor. The issue should definitely be addressed at some time. My guess is that you have some blockage in the crankcase ventilation system somewhere(PCV, p/#078 103 224 R) causing increased internal pressure(oil leaks). The crankcase ventilation system on 2.8 is somewhat flawed in that is clogs easily without service. I would have the cam seal and cam position sensor seals replaced while the front of the motor is apart. Good luck.
Old 04-07-2004, 08:46 AM
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Default Yes and no. Again, leaking tensioners usually don't leak onto the belts..

that would be the cam shaft seal. the tensioner usually leaks down the side of the head.


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