Worried about timing belt

[amkothaw]

Hey all,

I am a worried Z owner right now. I have a 1990 2+2 NA and the timing belt was last replaced at 111K in which was in July 2007. Now it has about 145K. Today, its still driving beautifully, but as I was at a stop light, i felt a faint rhythmic vibration. Theres a very very slight ticking that accompanies the vibration. It only happens when idling and while its idling i can feel that rhythmic vibration come in a constant interval.

I hope I am just being paranoid, but do you guys know of any way I can confirm the belt is going? If it is going, is it prematrure?

could be something else that is wrong? i am kinda stumped. The car pulls just fine and its beautiful to drive, but I dunno, I have head some bad stories.

I made a video of the sound. Can't see anything as its night, but pump up your volume and you will hear it.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0LvEbq23Wc[/youtube]

A quick history though: the car was parked for three months from May to Aug 2009 and then for 5 months from Aug 2010 to Jan 2011.

Recently I got a new battery, new alternator as it went bad, new clutch master and slave and new drive belts. I had saved just enough for new wheels, but I am kinda scared I might have to put that cash into a new belt now. I think the going rate for a install is close to $600 of so.

PS: if any one reading this forum is in Houston, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance guys.

[marty1mc]

I can't hear anything on the recording, not even the engine. But, from what you have described, it doesn't sound like a timing belt issue. You are inside Nissan specs for both time and mileage (60k miles or 4 yrs), so I don't think you have anything to worry about. The timing belt usually doesn't make the engine vibrate. It usually breaks and the engine stops (not good). You are more likely dealing with the idle circuits or electrical connections to the CAS, MAF, PTU, Coil packs and injectors that corrode. These can be cleaned and it's worthwhile to do this. This engine is somewhat known for idle issues. The tick is most likely lifters. Again, not a big deal as Nissan lifters tend to tick a little.

It's good that you are thinking about proper maintenance. It's critical to the health of the motor. But, I don't think you have much to worry about this time...