scholesy

Evening ladies and gents,

I am picking up an Impreza STI on Saturday morning that has 30k on the clock from new, being a 53 plate this is quite low, but I can't be 100% sure the cambelt has been done as there is no mention in the literature. I phoned the previous garages and typically the one most likely to have done the cambelt is a small independent no longer trading!

With no way of finding out beforehand, I have to assume the worst and that it possibly hasn't been changed from new! Is there any simple way to check the condition of the belt before I drive the hour and a half journey home to change it here?

Thanks in advance!

Dirk Diggler 75

For peace of mind just get it changed ....

scholesy

I'm getting it changed locally to me, it's already booked in, but if it's in a state I'd likely have to get it done up north and make another trip up to collect later in the week.

XDevil666

If the engine stalls a lot, seems to be producing less power, or runs unsmoothly and with too much vibration. Also, if the belt is squeeking or struggling to start, they would be signs of a belt in urgent need of changing

scholesy

The engine is very smooth, seems to be producing no end of power and starts within about half a rotation, I'd say it's in rude health by how it runs, just wondered if theres a way to remove a part of the cambelt cover to get a torch on it to check condition before driving away.

merlin24

iTrader: (1)

It's easy to whip the left hand (passenger side) outer timing cover off to check on the condition of the cam belt, 4 M6 ( 10mm headed ) bolts and its off.

Mick

scholesy

Thanks Merlin, very much appreciated and just what I was looking for, I shall check it before I bring the car away. Here's hoping it was done anyway by the one garage that I couldn't get in touch with, I shall sleep a lot easier when I've had it done all the same

BBB3

iTrader: (7)

I just recently got a spec c and the belt was done a few year ago, just had a full cambelt kit fitted with a hks Kevlar racing belt

Worth doing and don't let put you off! Just say to the seller it needs doing.

scholesy

I've already bought it, collecting it Saturday, the seller discounted the price to reflect it so I'm happy to do it, my issue is if it is safe to drive at all it it's been 11 years since it was built and the belt was new!

scholesy

Yes, it pulled a lot better than an 05 plate example I drove earlier that day

riiidaa

iTrader: (2)

it's well over due then

scholesy

Thing is when I tested it I had no idea about the possible lack of cambelt change. I'm pretty sure it's been done as the car has fsh and is well looked after, just the garage that most likely did it has gone bust so I have no way to check.

I'll inspect it before driving it back and if it looks suspect I'll take it to a garage up close by, if not it'll come back here to my preferred mechanic asap. Thanks for all your advice guys.