Bongo Fury

Just feeling a little bit paranoid before a week away...like you do.

Does the timing belt give any prior warning before giving up the ghost - or is it flash, bang goodnight Vienna?

No warning but dont get paranoid about it. I dont think a lot of damage is done to this engine anyway if the belt goes. I havent renewed my belt yet and I have done 10,000 kms since I got the vehicle. It will be done on the next service.

There is no convenient time for the belt to break so in my opinion it's worth getting it done and for the small extra cost change the other belts while you are at it.

I had mine done shortly after buying the vehicle as although the mileage didn't call for it the vehicle age suggested they may be on the way out. The air con. belt was very badly cracked and about to fail.

Now i've just got the cooling system to worry about.

Alan

The engine is an interference type engine where the possibility of valve to piston damage is most likely to occur if the belt breaks. When considering replacement the previous use and service history of the vehicle should be taken into account. If in doubt, renew it. Recommended replacement is every 60,000 miles.