Timing Belt miles or years

[todds21]

I have an 01 Dubcab v6 with 40K on it. I believe it is recommened to have the timing belt changed every 5 years or 90K. I am coming up on the 5 year mark and it sure feels like overkill to replace it. Is this a non interferance engine? Any opinions on if this should be done with the low mileage on it or if I am asking for problems by not replacing it at the suggested 5 years?

Thanks
Todd

[vennom2]

Originally Posted by todds21

I have an 01 Dubcab v6 with 40K on it. I believe it is recommened to have the timing belt changed every 5 years or 90K. I am coming up on the 5 year mark and it sure feels like overkill to replace it. Is this a non interferance engine? Any opinions on if this should be done with the low mileage on it or if I am asking for problems by not replacing it at the suggested 5 years?

Thanks
Todd

Just food for thought! I have a 1998 v6 I didnt replace my belt until 2004 and 129000 miles. The belt appeared to be fine ...

[Flash75]

Todd, According to Gates it is an interference engine. If you do not abuse the engine, I would probably wait until the truck is 7-8 years old before changing the belt unless you get to 90 k miles prior to then. I have gone a little over the suggested miles on some other vehicles I have owned and the belts have all looked good when removed. On the other hand my son had an Isuzu Stylus XS, he was hard on the engine, around 60k I suggested he get it changed, he didn't and it broke around 95k. It was supposed to be an interferance engine. I did a leak down test on all cylinders and didn't detect any leaks, so I installed a new belt and it ran fine. I have heard of several people doing some serious damage when they broke a belt.

Clifton

[Flash75]

I forgot to post the link to the Gates list.
http://www.familycar.com/CarCare/GatesFrame.htm

Clifton