WHen is the best/reccomended time to change the main belt ont he engine. Ive got 51,000 miles. Should i worry about it?
DOnt the 4.6's have timing chains or timing belts? i though it was chain but not for sure

 

Internally: The engine has a timing chain, rather than a timing belt and there are no specified maintenance intervals. The teeth on the gear can wear. But, a broken timing chain is very rare.

 

AjRagno is right... I don't even remember the last time someone reported a broken timing chain on here.

 

im not worried about the chain im asking aobut the belt and when it needs replaced

 

Why worry about the belt?

Just pay the $29.95 at autozone and get a GoodYear Gatorback NOW! =)

 

Then keep the old one under the seat or where ever as a 'spare', just in case.......

 

how hard is it to change the belt? what do i need to do-ive changed a couple but is there anyhting i need to know? is gatorback really good name or something?
thanks
-Patrick

 

I had my kid help me. You need a 1/2 drive ratchet to release the tensioner. Figuring out the drive belt path is the hard part but the diagram is on the front by the radiator. Or just draw a sketch to remind yourself BEFORE you take the old belt off.

This job is easiest if you have a buddy IMO.

 

You're right hapynzap, it is easy. I did mine by myself in about 10 min. The only reason it took that long was because I kept double checking the belt path.

 

whats the advantage to a Gatorback?

 

When you go to the parts store have them bring out a goodyear gatorback and one of the other brands like kelly springfield for comparission.

 

The last time mine slipped was....

The 5th of Never.

I would reccomend a high quality belt, but slippage should not be an issue on a factory setup unless your belt becomes hard and brittle. If you have pullys however you could cause belt slippage due to decreased leverage on the accessory pullys and increased belt tension.

I don't doubt that gatorback is a good belt, slipping just shouldnt be an issue and a quality belt such as Gates would be sufficient.