Timing belt life

[bubbashrimp]

My sportage has 106,000 miles on it and I understand that you have to replace the belt every 60,000. That means that it is either getting close to needing the second belt, or that it is still on the first belt. Anyone care to guess which it is?

I am going to pull the cover off and take a peek quick as I can. I'll probably replace that idler pulley too when I do replace the belt. I once had a belt break on another car I had and it bent some valves. I got it all fixed and a few days later it broke again and bent some more valves. Turns out the idler pulley was froze.

There seems to be some question about if this is an interference engine or not. Advanced auto parts, where I went to get prices on the belt and idler, lists it as interference.

[jcwit]

Hi again, just checked the Gates site and it claims that it is in fact an interference engine. One more tip "some" claim to also replace the seals at the cam shafts also, I drive a Rio 1.6 which is somewhat the same design and I did not replace seals the last time. Good luck again

[JTROCKS1]

Interference vs non-interference has been discussed a great length on this site. I believe that the first model year sportage with the SOHC engine was an interference motor. The DOHC engines are not despite what Gates and Advance Auto says. Mine, a 2000 sportage, broke a timing belt just last week. No bent valves or anything. Belt replaced and go.

[bubbashrimp]

That's good to know jtrocks. How many miles did you have on the belt?

Obviously it still doesn't pay to take chances. Be my luck that I would be 200 miles from nowhere when the belt broke and I would have to have a very expensive tow job or take my chances with some mechanic that will charge me a small fortune for replacing it.

[jcwit]

Just did a Google search on the KIA Sportage engine. Most sites claim its an interference engine although some owners say they've got away without damaging the engine. Man, for peace of mind and $100/$200 worth of parts and some time as you can DIY I'd change it. Good luck

[kiaracer]

it's non-interference. and i will not get into an arguement about this like i have in the past which got me kicked off the site for a week. i'm a kia tech and see these engines everyday and i know what i see.

but i wouldn't take a chance on the belt breaking and leaving you stranded especially if you don't have maintenance records from the previous owner to tell if they have done it or not. look at it this way. spend the money on it now or spend the money at 120K when it's due for a new timing belt again and pay for a tow and a timing belt if it breaks before 120K.

[Sahdow]

I drive an 02, but it may be the same.
My owner's manual recommends replacing it at 60k, or if in(or out, I forgot) california, checking it at 60 and replacing it at 109. I'd recommend playing it safe and just replacing it now.
Listen to the guy above me as to whether or not it's (non)interference, I'm not a mechanic, but you should listen to those who know what they're talking about.

[bubbashrimp]

I saw that CA has a different milage for when you need to change the belt. I wonder why?

[ron1004]

If in doubt (it's not easy to gauge the remaining life on the belt by visual inspection) change the belt.
I normally get the belt replacement kit which includes the idler and tensioner rollers, and I change the coolant pump on alternate belt changes unless t feels rough then I'd change it regardless.

I've heard the wacky reason for the CA requirements before, but can't remember them now - why not Google it.

[jcwit]

bubba, go with what ron1004 sayes. I find so many conflecting reports as to whether or not its interference or non-interference. Belt people say yes others say no who knows for sure. Not trying to create an arguement just saying better safe than sorry. If replaced no worry. Got to go, e-mail you later, we're leaving for a family reunion. Good luck.