flash7210 wrote:
Belt?
I wasn't even aware that this engine used a belt. I don't recall seeing
anything about it on the maintenance schedule.
Is the injection pump driven by the timing belt?
Anyway, if it is indeed a belt, it shouldn't be that hard to do being a front
engine rear drive vehicle.
Yes, indeed, it does have a belt. 100,000 miles is the same interval as the post-'03 VWs, for whatever that is worth.
And flash, it isn't that hard, but if it is anything like the VW, it can be tricky for a tech too full of himself, as there are certain, er, quirks, that look to the uninformed to be no big deal, but if done sloppily, result in big headaches. For example, the engine falling out of the engine bay onto the pavement as you steam down the highway. Or the new belt breaking after only 10,000 miles or so. In short, not a job you want performed by just anybody.
It is also likely one of those jobs you do NOT want to put off. Save your pennies if you must to do it when due, but if the belt breaks because you ignored the change interval, plan on a whole new engine for probably around 5 Gs, as the valves will break off when hit by the pistons. They will then bash around and pound crap outta the head, break pistons, bend rods, maybe even the crank, and possibly gouge the cylinder walls, leaving no part of value undestroyed save perhaps for the injection pump and the water pump. Debris blown out the exhaust could even kill the turbo. Sounds expensive, eh?