Yanmar Engine Timing Belt

[johnmurray]

Like many other Albins, my boat has the Yanmar 6LPA-STP engine. The operation manual says to replace the timing belt every 1250 hours (5 years). Given that most owners (in these parts at least) put only about 100 hours on their engines per season there is a big difference between 1250 hours or 5 years.
I searched the archives but could not find an answer to the question "When is it really necessary to replace the timing belt?" My mechanic thinks that 5 years is much too soon and suggested 1000 hours which would likely be at least 8 or 9 years in my case.
Does anyone have any wisdom to share on this issue?

[RobS]

FWIW, Mine was done at 7 years, 450 hours and came off looking like new.

[jleonard]

I would ask what happens when the timing belt breaks??

Many engines go BOOM immeditately.

Some don't.

To quote Clint Eastwood "do you feel lucky?"

[Halcyon]

6LP's are "interference" engines, meaning that the pistons can hit and bend the valves if the valve timing gets out of sync. When the belt breaks the valves get out of sync. My 6LP's have 650 hrs on origonal belts and are 2 yrs past the 5 yr schedule. Every mechanic I have spoken to says, yes the book says 5 years or 1250 hrs but the hours are what counts. I even discussed it with the head guy at Mack Boring, he agreed. I'm sure they would all rather spend my money on timing belts than go out on a limb so I decided to wait. I think maintence money is better spent on keeping the valves adjusted, which was suprisingly inexpensive, well under $400 for both.

Good luck

[afrayedknot]

I have been looking for a site where I can order 6LPA-STP timing belts and the other items that should be changed at the same time - any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

[loubennett]

I've posted this advice before. Put 250 hours per year on your boat and the 5 years and 1250 hours line up. Last year Quest did 250 hours. It looks like it will be closer to 200 this year. I'll just have to make up for it next year.

[RobS]

I have been looking for a site where I can order 6LPA-STP timing belts and the other items that should be changed at the same time - any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Try here: http://www.bayshoremarineengines.com/default.asp