I think this has been raised before but I would like an opinion on when to change the belt.
My car is 2005 with 74000km.
Belt is due at 100000 but as car is almost 6 years old what are the reccomendations about replacing.

Split the difference and do it at the 90000km service.

Usually it's 100,000 or 5 years but check the 380 logbook.

My question is time or k's?
Is it sensible to change it even though I am well short of the k's. My mechanic says wait until the 90/100k service but that will take some time as I only average 12k per year

I'd go on time then. If it's 6 years old, do it now, and then again in 2016 or 2017.

if you are worried about it and can afford it then by all means do it but you should be able to rely on servicing recommendations re k's.

My old car has the timing belt done at 67000 kms and 9 years old, belt was still in great condition. Although this is my experience, i still recommend to get it done sooner rather then later to be on the safe side, you may only need the belt rather then the full tensioning kit if you do it now.

I got some prices from Repco and they quote 3
Belt only
Belt Kit
Belt Kit including Hydraulic tensioner
Is the tensioner necessary or wont I know till i start the job?
My mechanic also reccomends replacing the water pump at the same time!
With labour this could be bigger than Ben Hur! around $1000 all up

Cheeers

Southland Mitsi. just did mine @ 98,000 k's
new timing belt , and both aux. fan belts for $500
tensioners not necessary at this stage, neither is the water pump i don't recon..

The water pump is around $80. Seems cost effective to replace it while everythings down. My Coolant is probably due for a flush anyway.

I'd be happy to take the first timing belt out to the 100k. You won't get subsequent ones to wear as little as the original for several reasons.

Probably just my obsessive compulsive nature, but once I get my first belt change done, then I would probably do each subsequent one every 75k or so.

1. You never know how long a replacement belt has been sitting on a shelf since manufacture, unlike the original which was probably manufactured very shortly before the engine was built (bought an genuine factory part for the wife's 2004 astra the other day, and the package said it was manufactured in 1997 - that's 14 years on a shelf!)
2. The factory built engine is assembled in amazingly clean and sterile conditions, and the cam belt is installed by someone who does that job and that job alone every day of their life (they are very, very good at doing it). A mechanic (even at the dealer) does not work in such conditions.
3. On build, every engine part is at specification. As engines get looser and older, replacement parts will wear slightly quicker as it becomes slightly less tight.

Just my opinion, and probably overkill. Modern cam belts are extremely good, wear very little and would probably last 300,000km.

Chris,

I'm with Brad, at the 100,000k timing belt change just get the belt renewed and don't bother with the tensioners or water pump. Replace the whole lot at 200,000k though.
As for when you need to do it, time v ks, it's up to you.
For peace of mind get it done now, if cash is a bit tight then wait until it's done 100,000k, I reckon there would be a one in 32,000 chance of it letting go on you at 74,000k despite being nearly six years old.
I'm coming up to 100,000k soon and my car was built Dec 2005 & first registered July 2006, so a similar age to yours.
I'm thinking of replacing my belt myself with maybe a bit of help from one or two local members, make a big DIY day of it.
I have all the tools & a workshop manual and I can get a tensioner tool for $30 and a new belt for less than $100 from eBay.
Take it slow & careful and I should be able to save $500+ (less a slab or two for helpers!)

Flyboy got in first, and he is one of the local members I was thinking might like to help me for the price of a slab or two!

Hi Everybody - Long time Mitsubishi owner but first time poster.
Have 2006 380 with only 55000 klms but given age had the Timing Belt done recently as peace of mind ( they say should be every 5 yrs?? )
Question.. Is it critical to have tensioner belt done at same time??
I was only charged $400 and there is no mention of of tensioner on invoice.
If not is this a problem??
Thanks All

Hi Everybody - Long time Mitsubishi owner but first time poster.
Have 2006 380 with only 55000 klms but given age had the Timing Belt done recently as peace of mind ( they say should be every 5 yrs?? )
Question.. Is it critical to have tensioner belt done at same time??
I was only charged $400 and there is no mention of of tensioner on invoice.
If not is this a problem??
Thanks All

Most mechanics will check the tensioners and make a call depending on how they think they are. Don't be stressed if they didn't replace them, sometimes it's not needed.

Thanks Hayden much appreciated. I've read so much about Timing Belts ( and potential damage ) that I am very cautious, Cheers

I'd be happy to take the first timing belt out to the 100k. You won't get subsequent ones to wear as little as the original for several reasons.

Probably just my obsessive compulsive nature, but once I get my first belt change done, then I would probably do each subsequent one every 75k or so.

1. You never know how long a replacement belt has been sitting on a shelf since manufacture, unlike the original which was probably manufactured very shortly before the engine was built (bought an genuine factory part for the wife's 2004 astra the other day, and the package said it was manufactured in 1997 - that's 14 years on a shelf!)
2. The factory built engine is assembled in amazingly clean and sterile conditions, and the cam belt is installed by someone who does that job and that job alone every day of their life (they are very, very good at doing it). A mechanic (even at the dealer) does not work in such conditions.
3. On build, every engine part is at specification. As engines get looser and older, replacement parts will wear slightly quicker as it becomes slightly less tight.

Just my opinion, and probably overkill. Modern cam belts are extremely good, wear very little and would probably last 300,000km.

Genuine belts are Dayco. Will be just as old as a replacement as far as shelf time. Remember a belt in a dark box will last a bloody long time.

Personally I would not keep the old pulleys in a pink fit. Recently I have replaced a kr motor where the idler pulley collapsed motor was 160k old and not so long ago I supplied a 380 motor to replace one with 125 on the clock, per tensioner pulley let go. Was cheaper to replace motor than do both heads.

This is why for such a small amount I do the lot. Given my kits are cheaper than a belt on its own from dealers why wouldn't you?

Water pump I agree to do every 200k

I got some prices from Repco and they quote 3
Belt only
Belt Kit
Belt Kit including Hydraulic tensioner
Is the tensioner necessary or wont I know till i start the job?
My mechanic also reccomends replacing the water pump at the same time!
With labour this could be bigger than Ben Hur! around $1000 all up

Cheeers

Proper kit with koyo bearings (same as genuine) and seals and Japanese Sun brand belt is $142.50. I have sold well over 1000 of these now and also use them personally.

If you are taking it apart may as well spend an extra 30 mins and do properly.

As for time vs k's I sway towards k's as I have seen cars 15 years old with low mileage and still fine. Most k's I have seen was232k's and still going but ten have seen newer belts fail lol

I just did my timing belt change, at 6 years age and 107,000km. Mechanic said belt was fine (showed me, no wearing, cracking, etc).

I would go by KM's. My belt was fine when replaced after 6 years

I think this has been raised before but I would like an opinion on when to change the belt.
My car is 2005 with 74000km.
Belt is due at 100000 but as car is almost 6 years old what are the reccomendations about replacing.

its either of that whatever comes first... the belt can deteriorate and when broken you damage your car... so its really up to your gambling nature ;-) if you can live with that no probs on this end :-)

changed my 2006 380 at 159,000km. old belt still in good condition. quoted $500 at mitsu dealer (belt only no bearing). but i did it with help from an experienced friend. changed aux belts too. all up material cost $125. brand: gates.

Did you do this in a workshop, or at home? Have a mechanic friend and very low on bucks at the moment and need to do brakes, tyres, belt and plugs aaah! No way can afford dealer prices.