original nissan Timing Belt??

[benl1981]

Hi guys,

I just got a R33 skyline with an RB25DET in it....

Knowing that many imports have their clocks wound back I thought I better check my timing belt, clock says 90k kms but it's a late 93 model so most likely has more kays on it so belt could be in real bad shape.

Took the top timing belt cover off to have a look. One of the belts (around the water pump) looked pretty new...yellow writing on it. So I thought maybe there might be a chance it had been replaced recently in Japan

So I had a look at the timing belt and it looked pretty good

The first photo shows condition of belt, the 2nd pic shows a white line marker on the belt.

Can anybody tell me if they think the timing belt looks like an original Nissan one that would have come on the car, I can't see any writing on it?

What do you think of the condition from the photos.?

Many thanks

PS Sorry - I'll try and resize the pics

[benl1981]

anyone?

[SteveL]

The white line says genuine belt to me as they have a few marks like that to help set cam timing. The aftermarket ones (Dayco, etc) generally don't.

Given the k's and the 'unknowns' about the odo reading if it were my car I'd replace it just to be sure, plus I'd also replace the water pump.

[siksII]

just replace it, especially if you can do it yourself.... even if the ks are genuine you would change it around now anyway.

doesnt look lik an original belt to me, the normal one has writing on it, but im sure the writing could have faded out with age.

i wouldnt replace the water pump unless if was leaking, which is likely since the japs dont like using proper coolant

[benl1981]

Thanks fellas – Yeah will probably do it soon. Never replaced a belt but I think I will give it a go. I’ve done a lot of other mechanical repirs so should be ok…

Do they usually look really crap before they snap – or can they just go twang?

Was hoping to get to the track before I have to replace, just want to enjoy it a bit before I start doing too much work on it (just did the rear shocks. Also took out fronts as the boots were totally destroyed)

Belt didn’t look too bad. Have to have a look at the pump to see if it needs replacing. Is the belt tensioner a must to replace?

Are these an interference motor? Sounds like it from the concern everyone has…

[r33fred]

Considering the kays the white line on the belt would be a lot more faded if its the original, its been replaced by the look. Replace the belt anyway...

Be careful as he exhaust cam does not like much advance or your midrange power goes to crap. Keep the exhaust cam wheel mark right on or as close to it as you can.

[GTRgeoff]

Some info here that might help. I recommend get the other stuff out of the way while the timing belt is off.

[benl1981]

Thanks guys. Yeah rang up CBC but they werent very helpful - didnt have the tensioner in the computer. Idler was 120 and they wanted 99 for a gates timing belt. Will have to shop arond a bit.

Thanks

[siksII]

a genuine belt should not cost you more than about $85 from nissan.. just ring up your local dealer and they should be able to supply one for you. the bearings are not a must to replace.

[GTRgeoff]

Then ring NSK direct and ask who the local distributors are. They won't trade direct though.

Fair enough mine have had a fair bit of track, but do you want to strip the front end of the engine again for what should be 100K service parts replacement for the sake of $120 in parts? My bearings at 120K are getting a bit graunchy and have blued a bit from the heat. Replace the high tensile bolts as well that hold on the cam belt rollers as they can and have failed with the expected results of engine destruction.