Got a call from the shop where we dropped my aunt's '87 240dl, found out that the timing belt snapped on her car. They want $500 to do the job, we picked the car up for $500, so that isn't an option.
I was checking around the forums and fcp for info. The prices look much better than the shop's quote.

After doing some searching it looks like I want to pick up a timing belt and the cam/crank seals. Just so happens fcp has a kit with all of the above.
While talking with the shop, they reccomended replacing the idler pully also. It dosn't seem like a bad idea. Any thoughts or general consensus on replacing this?
It also seems that this would be the best time to replace the water pump. Her's is in good shape (car never overheats), but it has over 200k on the clock and it is $36 for a new pump/gasket set. Would this be a good preventative measure, or do the water pumps seem to last forever?
I will also be picking up the cam tool, just to make life easier.
Is there anything else I should replace or check while doing this?

What is a general time frame for replacing the timing belt (I am well skilled in repairing cars)?

Nick

 

it takes me 2hours but plan on 4 the first time you do it. You need the specialwrench to hold the lower pulley in place while you loosen the beltYou do not have to touch the timing belt to replace the water pump so you just may want to keep an eye on it and do it as needed. Tensioner replacement is ok, and probably a good idea.. Went bad on my 740 but I have the original on my 240 265,000 miles. I have never replaced seals either but I am careful to never overfill engine..... I think you can get wrench at fpcgroton or if that fails ipd

 

Absolutely do the water pump. I'll assume the timing belt job included a tensioner. If not, replace that as well. All new belts would also be a good idea.
dws

 

Sorry bmwguy, but the water pump (unlike in BMWs) is totally independent of the timing belt so there is no reason to do it UNLESS it needs to be replaced. Ditto for the belts. We don't drive old Volvos because we want to throw money away, right? Throwing away perfectly good parts "just because" is wasteful and unnecessary and it only benefits parts manufacturers.

 

cool, thanks.

Nick