Hey guys, just hoping to get some input on this problem thats concerning me.


I have a KJ verada, which recently had a service on it's LPG system and a couple of other things. The mechanic noted that it did not have it's timing belt done at 100,000 kms like it should have had. I'va had it for approx 3 years and the odometer is currently on 140,000.

Long story short, I don't have the best mechanical knowledge on these things and was told failure of the timing belt can shred the engine and he quoted me about 600 to replace it.

So basically, wanting to find out if this is accurate and whether or not i should be extremely worried that it hasn't been done.

Ta!

A belt breaking can be costly - a tow truck, engine dismantle, new valves and timing belt, it adds up.
Manual recommends 90-100,000 on belt, or every 5 years, if I remember correctly.
Mind you, a lot of people don't bother and get more than 140,000 out of a belt. Your choice.

A lot of magnas are for sale at the 100,000 and 200,000 mark, because the belt need doing and the owners can't justify the cost. I bet you bought the car at round about 90-100,000? lol

Get a quote from a Mitsu dealer and you will find your mechanic's quote of $600 is reasonable, it is a full days work easily, but he may find you also need a new idler and water pump (not likely at 140,00 Km), so be aware his quote may go up.

Should you be worried? You tell me, do you rely on the car for daily transport, or do you have a spare car?

EDIT: if you have service records for the car, check them carefully to see if the belt has been done. You never know.

PS Its worth your while to get to know the car better, like read the manual and be prepared to get your hands dirty (We call this "DIY"). I've just done this job for a grand total of $60 in parts.

since you only got 140k on it and if engine still good worth getting done
i got me te done 230k did not do belt at 2ook as not worth it as i can get a low k engine installed for 700
and yeah waterpump would be worth changing as well
might even be due for the rear bank spark plugs or did this get done when lpg installed
get a second opinion first just in case the mechanic is trying to get more money from you

I speak from experience; belt goes, 1 second later the engine follows. Cost my mechanic a fortune cause he stuffed up.

Look at Mitsi Fix in the sponsors corner, Mal does a brilliant job and is very reasonable. I trust him more than any one else mechanically.

Regards, Tony

:stoopid: yeah mal knows his stuff about magnas im sure he will have a quick look and tell you if its been done
I speak from experience; belt goes, 1 second later the engine follows. Cost my mechanic a fortune cause he stuffed up.

Look at Mitsi Fix in the sponsors corner, Mal does a brilliant job and is very reasonable. I trust him more than any one else mechanically.

Regards, Tony

Hard to tell if a belt has been done at the right time, unless there is a sticker on the belt cover or is recorded in the service manual. In their absence, best to assume it needs doing.

Yes, bought at 101,000. No, no mention of the belt being done in the service book. Yes, relied upon for daily transportation.

Yeah, have spotted the mitsi-fix forum. I live in central vic however, so not sure if that'd be practical (if it is in danger of going, I figure the less long trips, the better yeah?).

might be a little cheaper if you get the timing kit and get the mechanic to install
thats what i have heared if its try or not someone here can confirm this

I'd PM Mal anyway and see what he says. At the very least you get a comparison point.

A quote to drive down the price a bit. Can't hurt.

Thanks guys.

I have driven 3 TJ/KJ cars from central-western NSW to Melb for Mal to do the Timing Belt and water-pump, rear plugs, rocker gaskets + plug seals.
Its a shit of a job I'd hate to do myself, and Mal certainly knows his stuff and does a great job.

Your guys quote sounds very reasonable, unless he means that is the labour cost only?

The Timing Belt kit is mentioned in the Part Numbers thread (Gates do a kit of belt, idlers, oil seals - can also get kit with hydraulic tensioner, which Mal says almost never required).