1989 16V

[322hunter]

I am a complete novice-

Do these have a Timing chain or Timing belt?

If Belt how often do I change?

[89TC-16V]

this motor has a belt, only change the belt when needed if it breaks or skips or hasnt been done since it was new would be a good idea. if not, leave it alone if it runs ok.

[Willhelm Reichert]

That's why all his cars are broken. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think 60,000 is recommended.

[TwinCamFan]

Not fair Bill, his TC runs <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes it is a belt and 60K is the reccomended interval, but as also mentioned if your car is a low milage 'survivor' it's possible it has the orignal timing belt still on it, mine did when I got it two years ago <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I flew to San Francisco bought it and drove it home sight unseen. Next day when I was looking at the car more critically I was shocked to see that virtually no maintanence had ever been done <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Heck the yellow paint was even grey because it had NEVER BEEN WASHED! Buffed out nicely though, I think the layers of grime actually served to protect the finish somehow...

If the timing belt breaks, although leaving your stranded will do no damage to the motor as it is a 'break safe' or 'non interference' motor. That said, there was so much carbon built up on my piston crowns that I do belive the valves would have contacted the carbon deposits and that may be a bad thing <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

322 I know you are a new owner but we were all there once so don't be shy about asking questions <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> First thing you should do though is bid on a factory service manual on Ebasy if you don't already have one. There is a 16V suppliment section in there with essential info if you are going to change a timing belt or other semi-routine maintenance. Also feel fre to PM me with any 16V specific questions, i have built a few of these motors now and as youcan see by my list name, I'm quite the fan of them <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Alan

Maybe you could give a little history on your car, I don't think I saw it on any other threads here? Color, options, where are you, where did you find it, how much if you don't mind-you know that kind of thing

[89TC-16V]

none of my cars are broken , ive only had one throw a belt and it did it in 5K miles, wasnt my fault. 60K miles is pretty good for a belt, most of my cars never had a lifespan to go by with belts

[Willhelm Reichert]

Am I to assume reverse was an option on TC's and yours came without it??? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[89TC-16V]

hmm is reverse a function you need to go forward or is it something directly related to the timing belt. im pretty sure its neither