[amanda11270]

Im at just over two years on the 2.2 timing belt, I think my existing belt crosses to some model of Volvo if I remember correctly. I had heard more on the forum about the "blue" belt, but was looking to see if anyone has experience with it, or should I just go with another one that crosses when I swap it out.

 

[sleekgt]

Im at just over two years on the 2.2 timing belt, I think my existing belt crosses to some model of Volvo if I remember correctly. I had heard more on the forum about the "blue" belt, but was looking to see if anyone has experience with it, or should I just go with another one that crosses when I swap it out.

There are some great threads on belts My posting looking for high mileage blue belts was not sucessful - so far i dont know of another Esprit with 26K miles in 26 months on a Gates blue belt. Likely someone at JAE surely knows someone higher mileage than me.

If you plan to religiously change belts at the factory 36K/36 month interval (88 MY) the standard non-blue belt of latest construction should be sufficient and most cost-effective.
i went with the blue belt as insurance not longevity.

After reading the threads, you can make the call to consider the 5-10 year lifespan that some think/wish/estimate is possible. I'm too conservative to try 10 years despite evidence my original belt went at least 14 years/30K miles in mild always garaged California weather

 

[89.5 Esprit SE]

There are some great threads on belts My posting looking for high mileage blue belts was not sucessful - so far i dont know of another Esprit with 26K miles in 26 months on a Gates blue belt. Likely someone at JAE surely knows someone higher mileage than me.

If you plan to religiously change belts at the factory 36K/36 month interval (88 MY) the standard non-blue belt of latest construction should be sufficient and most cost-effective.
i went with the blue belt as insurance not longevity.

After reading the threads, you can make the call to consider the 5-10 year lifespan that some think/wish/estimate is possible. I'm too conservative to try 10 years despite evidence my original belt went at least 14 years/30K miles in mild always garaged California weather

I agree with all that, we have 3 blue belts running all with no squeal.

My plan is 5 years, I won't make 36k miles, but would not hesitate to go 50k in 5 years.

Maintenance should include visual inspection and every few months a tension check with either the Kricket or a frequency phone app.

The only red herring in all this is the the tensioner which does not seem all that robust or long lived. I would replace it with the belt or risk at least having to deal with it in between belt changes. Worst case it will fail and stress the belt. I'm not sure if it could cause a belt failure, but might if it siezed up.

The extra $100 is worth the longer change interval IMO.

Randy

 

[s2mikey]

My car has a Gates blue-belt that was installed at the last major which was 2009. The car has 25K since then and the belt is positively in excellent condition and does NOT need to be changed for a few years yet.

Timing belt discussions end up like politics or artificial turf arguments - they often go nowhere and no one will convince anyone to change their mind. However, changing a modern belt every few years is absolutely dumb. I mean - why not just change the timing belt after every drive? That will gaurantee it cant break? Right? Or, better yet, just dont drive the car. Thats the only way to really preserve that belt

In other words, be sensible and have the tension checked every year. Check for cracks, wear, things like that. Honestly, it is very likely that some other part or belt or component will need attention long before the belt does and in that case you may as well change the belt "while you're in there".

Get the Gates blue belt and have it installed properly. Then, check it every year. Replace it every 5-6 years, IMO or even longer if you drive the car regularly. Like I said, the water pump or cam seals will probably leak before the belt needs to be changed.

Thats my take on it.

 

[amanda11270]

Thanks, I think im just gonna stick with the standard belt, I actually pulled the dust seals and repacked the tensioner bearing after I did the belt the last time. I think im just gonna do the same again pending everything seems okay once I clean the bearing of the old grease.

 

[Autocross7]

I am a "blue belt" user as well. They are noisy, but they are seriously tough... Mine is going on 5 years, 20K... not the record yet. I also drive my car and do not let it sit. Too many people do that with exotic cars... have issues... then fail to realize that driving a car every 6 months for 5 miles around the block at a maximum of 3K rpm is really bad for "rot" and causes belts etc to stiffen to the shape they sat in for 6 months...


Cameron

 

[s2mikey]

I am a "blue belt" user as well. They are noisy, but they are seriously tough... Mine is going on 5 years, 20K... not the record yet. I also drive my car and do not let it sit. Too many people do that with exotic cars... have issues... then fail to realize that driving a car every 6 months for 5 miles around the block at a maximum of 3K rpm is really bad for "rot" and causes belts etc to stiffen to the shape they sat in for 6 months...


Cameron

Hell freegin right! People act like 64K miles on my my Esprit is a bad thing...its like "dood.... its a CAR and its not exactly an investment-grade car so guess what? Im driving the crap out of it and thats that!"

 

[sleekgt]

[snip]
My plan is 5 years, I won't make 36k miles, but would not hesitate to go 50k in 5 years.[snip] The only red herring in all this is the the tensioner which does not seem all that robust or long lived.

"You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?'" :shrug:

I saw a post (unconfirmed) that said the tensioner should be replaced every OTHER belt replacement - that means on my 88MY, that would be every 72K miles. So if you feel 5 yrs on the blue belt is good for 50K, then the tensioner should be OK. But periodic inspection of belt/tensioner would be a good thing.

Mark - repacking that tensioner bearing a 2nd time might be a bit risky - I'd recommend checking the price of a tensioner and if workable, getting a new one for your next belt replacement.

 

[Type82]

Mark,
I replaced my timing belt in 2002 @ 34k with the standard belt, left the tensioner alone as it seemed fine. Belt ran 10 years, 40k miles and looked new when I changed it last year.

When I replaced the belt I spent the extra money and purchased the 'Blue belt'. The tensioner was toast @ 70k and it's only a 'C' note so I would advise to buy a new one. $100. tensioner is cheaper than a 10k engine rebuild in my own opinion.

Robert

 

[Britman]

I have just over 2 years on the current belt on my S1. Mileage is probably around 2000 miles. It's the new generation Gates square tooth belt from JAE. I have no plans to change it until next winter, at the earliest. My car sits a lot but it's in a climate controlled environment. Belt replacement intervals is a completely subjective and personal issue. At the end of the day if your unsure and nervous about what to do then stick with what Lotus recommended. Whenever you change it just buy the best belt available, your Esprit deserves it.