Hi all,

Just bought a 1984 Sunbird 2000 1.8 liter for my daughter. BTW, I saw on a mpg page - it is rated to get 47 mpg on the highway!! Is that right??

But, timing belt, it has 102,000 miles with no timing belt change. Should this be changed now? Does anyone know the recommended interval miles/time for the change? How hard a job is it on a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being the hardest.

Thanks!!!

Duffy

I doubt the belt has never been done, 25 years on a timing belt, age is more of a killer than miles.

The job is about a 5 on that car, and yes it should be done


- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

Thanks Rob. Well, I got the car from 2nd owner who put most of the miles on it and he says he never changed it. If the timing belt breaks is it going to hurt anything?

Duffy Nightingale wrote:Thanks Rob. Well, I got the car from 2nd owner who put most of the miles on it and he says he never changed it. If the timing belt breaks is it going to hurt anything?

I dont know if it is an interference engine or not, if it is interference and it breaks, kiss the engine goodbye, if non interference the car will just quit running

I'm surprised it lasted 25 years


- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

I can tell you that you have a ohc engine for sure.Being its not the turbo eng.I cannot tell you if it's a non interference or not,my haynes and chiltons are not indicating that info.I would post up questions in the 1st gen forums in the future we can better help with stuff that may be stuff you may want to know in the future.Ok

If the belt breaks you run the risk of the pistons hitting the valves and bending them. If that happens the head will have to come off and be reworked along with possible piston replacement. If I were you I'd replace that belt as soon as possible along with the water pump while your in there. Cheap insurance for your daughter.

Also I wouldn't bet on more than 30 -32 mpg.