QUESTION
I need to purchase a timing belt for my Lotus Esprit S4.
Is it usual to change the tensioner bearing every belt change or second belt change?
P.D. - Sydney
ANSWER
The Lotus Factory and timing belt manufacturers recommend the belt and bearing be changed together.
It is also recommend that the cam and crankshaft oil seals be changed at the same time.
If an oil seal leaks occurs after changing the timing belt then oil is likely to contaminate the timing belt.
A similar amount of labour is involved in changing just the oil seals, hence the recommendation to change all the components.
Most timing belt manufactures offer timing belt kits that include the belt, bearing and oil seals for a good reason!
If you are anticipating changing the timing belt and tensioner bearing then its advisable to check the camshaft, auxillary shaft and crankshaft oil seals.
While the timing belt is being changed it is also recommended that the crankshaft timing belt pulley be crack tested.
From experience, routine crack testing has identified a number of faulty timing pulleys on vehicles visiting the Lotus Marques workshop.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
I need to purchase a timing belt for my Lotus Esprit S4.
Is it usual to change the tensioner bearing every belt change or second belt change?
P.D. - Sydney
ANSWER
The Lotus Factory and timing belt manufacturers recommend the belt and bearing be changed together.
It is also recommend that the cam and crankshaft oil seals be changed at the same time.
If an oil seal leaks occurs after changing the timing belt then oil is likely to contaminate the timing belt.
A similar amount of labour is involved in changing just the oil seals, hence the recommendation to change all the components.
Most timing belt manufactures offer timing belt kits that include the belt, bearing and oil seals for a good reason!
If you are anticipating changing the timing belt and tensioner bearing then its advisable to check the camshaft, auxillary shaft and crankshaft oil seals.
While the timing belt is being changed it is also recommended that the crankshaft timing belt pulley be crack tested.
From experience, routine crack testing has identified a number of faulty timing pulleys on vehicles visiting the Lotus Marques workshop.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques