Hi Guys,

I really appreciate the assistance that's available here; easy to see that there's a real appreciation for Magna's and a fantastic depth of knowledge. May I draw on some of that knowledge again please?

Tomorrow morning I go to take a look at this TW wagon. I've spoken with her local service guy and though the car has done 126,000 it has NOT had the belt done.

1) What could I expect to pay for a (non Mitsy) guy to replace this?
2) I think I may have read somewhere about an idler pulley or similar that is pretty well essential to replace also. Can you provide more info on this please?

I'm aware of needing to check CV boots for signs of wear, oil leaks at rocker cover gaskets - anything else to be aware of??

Cheers

Steve

Hi

You can buy the timing belt kit off ebay for $149 which includes the idler pulley, I bought this and paid a mechanic to fit it to my car, he charged me $398, but that price included fitting a new water pump that I also supplied and two new drive belts he supplied, so it was about $550 all up, my car had done over 200,000 so the water pump was due to be replaced. cheers

Expect to pay 600-900 for the service at a regular mechanic, possibky more if more needs done.

Here is a little list of things that needed doing for my TL wagon I bought 4 months ago, at 136,000km.

Cam belt and idlers.
Rocker cover gaskets, tube seals, spark plugs.
Brake fluid change and bleed.
Coolant change.
Engine oil and filter change.

Comments:
Check transmission fluid, may need doing.
Check exterior drive belts for cracks, usually go for about 100,000 km so yours should be reasonably fresh.

If buying the car, try to knock the price down by $1K to cover the work needed doing.

Many thanks to all who replied. I had it in my mind that it might only be a $300-$500 job; so I'm now wiser and better prepared for negotiations.

Cheers

Steve

Hi

You can buy the timing belt kit off ebay for $149 which includes the idler pulley,

Would you recommend the Ebay kit - as compared to something more brand-name from Auto-Pro or Bursons? I reckon the water pump replacement is a great idea at the same (100,000) time too - since its in the neighbourhood?

Steve

I paid $1091 for my 200k service, which included:

Timing belt, tensioner pulley, hydraulic adjuster, idler pulley, camshaft seals, and crankshaft seals replaced
Water pump, gaskets and O-ring replaced, coolant added
RH Upper engine mount replaced
Power steering and Alternator & A/C drivebelts replaced
LH Upper timing belt cover replaced
Radiator cap replaced

I supplied the parts (at a discounted price) and got a local mechanic to perform the work. Just over half of the total cost was labour.

The kit will cost you $142.50, the kits I sell have genuine brand pulleys and seals and sun belt. They are by no means generic at all

Dont bother with water pump at that mileage, is just a waste of time and money.

Fitting is $350 if we do it, upwards of $500 at some places as a guide.

Other service items would be a matter of getting them checked as some of the items may have been done already

Would you recommend the Ebay kit - as compared to something more brand-name from Auto-Pro or Bursons? I reckon the water pump replacement is a great idea at the same (100,000) time too - since its in the neighbourhood?

Steve

Hi Steve, the water pump wont need to be replaced until the 200,000 k service, the water pump from my car looked fine after 200,000 k's so i wouldn't worry about it till the 200,000 k service, and mits only recommend to replace it every 200,000 k's, the $149 kit from ebay is fine, no problems with it.

cheers
Dean

Check your auxiliary belts. My power steer belt broke at 190K's and wrapped around the crank shaft enough to cause the timing belt to skip 3 to 4 teeth. I was lucky it didnt do any ore damage then that and cost me the belts plus a favour for my father to come with the car tralier to pick the car up for me

About 4 months ago I replaced the timing belt on my 1997 TF Magna with about 120,000k on it. I replaced the pump as I could see that it was leaking from the drain hole. I guess it was age not distance that caused it to weap. I purchased a genuine pump off ebay.

Check your auxiliary belts. My power steer belt broke at 190K's and wrapped around the crank shaft enough to cause the timing belt to skip 3 to 4 teeth. :eek2:

Wow! You were fortunate taniagirl! Could have been much worse! Good advice thanks. Unfortunately the car I was looking at this morning - the "lil ole lady" owner is hanging out for another grand - that $1,000 I'm not prepared to pay, because she has NOT had the timing - or any other belt done! If I bought this car - it's something I will have to stump up for pretty well immediately.

So - she has my number - and if she's keen to sell, well........... :tired:

Steve