Hi all,

Quick question about timing belt replacement on my 1992 240 Wagon. A couple shops I've called are quoting me estimates about $250 to replace it. I believe they're assuming 3 hours labor. Does this sound reasonable? Also, if the belt does break unexpectedly will it severely damage the engine? Thanks in advance for guidance.

Jeff

Thanks for the responses! That's what I thought...but one of the mechanics told me different. Have a good weekend,

Jeff

It can be a little confusing, and some of the shop manual reference sources indicate otherwise, notably the Haynes manual for the 240. It specifically states that this IS an interference engine.

For US models, all of which received the "low-compression" B230F, there are no clearance issues. You can rotate the crank or cam to any position without damage. European E engines with higher compression, and some significantly higher-lift cams available, could be interference engines. I don't know which models or series that might be.


Anyway, well-intentioned mechanics here can read info like that and be wrong. For any mechanic however, best practices would avoid turning the engine at all while replacing a belt. If a belt breaks on these cars, it just requires a new belt to get it running again. There won't be internal damage.

Good luck with it!
--
::: Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244 ::: 90 745GL ::: 90 745T ::: 84 242DL ::: 90 745T Parts ::: Used to have : 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 91 244, 88 244GL, 88 744GLE, 82 245T, 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 88 245DL, 89 244DL!

$250 is reasonable as long as it includes changing the front seals (they are exposed when you do the t/b change) and hopefully also the belt tensioner. The tensioner part is maybe $30 so keep that in mind if that wasn't included in their expectation. I really wouldn't expect to see an estimate under that from a shop.

A U.S.A. '92 240 has a non-interference engine unless someone installed a performance camshaft (no that likely). So if the belt breaks you are significantly inconvenienced and you have to pay for a tow but you don't have damaged valves.

Scheduled maintenance change is something like 50K miles so if it's due, I would have the job done.
--
Sven: '89 245 NA, 951 ECU, open-front airbox, E-fan, 205/65-15's, IPD sways, E-Codes, amber front corner reflectors, quad horns, tach, small clock. Wifemobile '89 245 NA stock. 90 244 NA spare, runs.

That's a reasonable price for a shop. No, a broken timing belt will NOT damage the engine; all 8-valve 240's are "non-interference."
--
Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Will Rogers