My Car is Geo Prism 1997 1.6 L. The odometer is 129000. I had changed the Timing Belt when the odometer was 70000 miles (in Dec 2002). As per the geo service manual it should be done at every 60000 miles. So it is due for Timing Belt change now.
But my friends advised me that it need not be done at 60000, and can be wait upto 80000 miles which means I can wait till the odometer is 150000.
What harm can happen if the Timing Belt Breaks for Geo Prism? My friends have told me that for some cars, if the Timing Belt breaks, the car stops and no other harm happens to the engine and other parts while in some cars it can damage the engine (the valves of the engine bends so the engine has to be replaced)
Should I wait till the odometer is 150000?
2007-11-28 15:16:27 · 4 answers · asked by alertpersons 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Better to change at recommended service interval.
The '97 Prism (Toy Corolla) is a double overhead cam 'interference' engine. If the belt breaks, it is possible that a piston will hit valve (depends on cam position and engine speed when belt breaks). This requires the head to be pulled and valve(s) replaced, as you state.
I have seen plenty of Corollas that have 70-80K miles on timing belt. It is not normally a problem to push the mileage, but best to follow service interval.
Also, many timing belts have a 'time' basis change interval as well. A typical time period is 72 months, regardless of miles (although you are only at 60 months).
Broken timing belts always put a big smile on the mechanic's face!
Jin Ju
2007-11-28 15:27:01 · answer #1 · answered by JinJu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is right at due to be changed now. The service manual says every 60,000 miles, I would adhere to what it says, not what your friends tell you. The service manual gives that information for a reason. If the belt breaks, it can cause severe engine damage in some engines, and there are some that it will only stop the engine with no damage.
2007-11-28 15:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by bobby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the belt breaks, you can expect to replace the car, not worth fixing the damage it will do. It`s a dam geo for cryin out loud. Do the belt now. 129000 minus 70000 = 59000. Tell your friend that you will wait another 1 to 1.5 years ( as per your average milage ) and if it breaks he pays for the repairs.
2007-11-28 15:52:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1997 Geo Prizm is a non- interfernce engine and won't cause damage. Mind has 130,000 miles on it and 19 years old and never has been changed by previous owner- yes I'm going to change it immediatley.
2016-01-13 10:47:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋