Cam belt

[Bill Rehm]

Just been told by my WOF mechanic that I should get my cam belt replaced
(my 91 "shows" 89Ks on it - as an import no way to know if that # is
accurate).

Any one have experience/views on when this should be done, the margin of
risk if one waits longer than the 86K he said was the "change date" (for
example the risks waiting until say 95 or 100Ks) , and the approx total
cost (parts & labour)?

Gracias in advance

Bill

[STANLEY, Murray]

Bill,
I am not sure that the difference between 86k, 95k or 100k is
material. My understanding from everything I have read (mainly in the Miata
Magazine) is that cam belts need to be replaced by 60,000 miles which is
about 96,000km by my maths, so you are right to be thinking about
replacement now. Presumably yours is a Jap import and so you cannot be
certain about the indicated kms. I understand that the MX5 engine is not of
the type where the valves will impact the tops of the pistons if the belt
does fail in service, however someone might know more about this than me..
I have just had my cambelt done a couple of months ago and the total
cost of the job including GST was $257. Of that, the belt was $63. This
cost did not include the ancillary belt(s) and in hindsight it probably
would have been prudent to do that job at the same time.
Of course, when getting this job done, there is the usual paranoia
MX5 owners suffer about cracking the crankshaft nose. I am probably more
anxious than most in this regard and so I gave my mechanic the article on
this subject in Miata magazine to read and digest a couple of days before he
actually did the job. He was very understanding bless him!

Cheers
Murray Stanley

[Trevor Henderson]

RE: Cam beltGreetings from Christchurch- yes I have had the cambelt done on my
jap import 91 mx 5 at 87,000km-- price of $263-00 at AUTOTEK, Christchurch.
For those living in CH.Ch this is a very good firm to deal with.
regards trevor henderson.