Timing Belt Replacement 28TE

[SeaQuell]

I'm in the process of a major refit and have removed the Yanmar 6LPA-STP which has 1330hrs. Since Yanmar suggests a timing belt replacement at 1250hrs that is on my list. My question has to do with the Yanmar instructions. The instructions reference setting the engine at BDC (bottom dead center) for belt replacement. There is no mention of which cylinder should be at BDC. Does it matter?

[RobS]

cylinder no. 1.
numbering starts at the gear case side.

[SeaQuell]

Gear case side being the end opposit from the transmission? The timing belt end, correct?

[whwells]

SeaQuell: You are doing the right thing in replacing the timing belts. Actually, Yanmar recommends 6 years or 1200 which ever occurs first.
I would and did follow the the years rather than the hours. Having the belt break and engine fly apart is 40,000 in a new engine and installation. Always replace the tightner with the belt at same time.
whwells "Howard"

[RobS]

Gear case side being the end opposit from the transmission? The timing belt end, correct?

correct, the timing gear case

[sneakers]

remember there two BDC's of the crankshaft per one revolution of the camshaft

[Maye Marie]

Before you remove your belt make sure you can see all your timing marks. If you have any rust on the pulleys the notch for the BDC timing rust away as on mine. Take a file and remark your notch. I would replace the belt tensioner and the idler pulley. At 800 hours I was doing mine and when I took the cover off I found the Idler pulley bearing had failed. Had worn my belt down paper thin. I was maybe one hour run time from a blown motor. Moisture got in side and did some corrosion damage and is what took the bearing out. I also could not get the gasket for the timing cover. I was told it was not available any more. At auto part store you can buy a can of spray foam gasket maker. That will for your need.

If it was me I would not do a timing belt without replacing the Idler pulley and tensioner. Was pretty lucky I caught mine in time.

[larson254]

I have a 2000 28TE and want the timing belt changed, my local yanmar mechanic could not find a why to do it, said there was not room to do the work. He thinks we will have to pull the boat, pull the shaft, and move engine forward enough to get a wrench on the timing belt nut. Is there another way to accomplish this task?

Tom
Port Charlotte, Fl.

[Must Fish]

I've done my timing twice on my 03 28te with engine box it does look tight but not hard at all doing it in the boat you just have to re move the engine box from the deck then you have enough room to do the job.it only takes 4 to 6 hours to do

[carolmarie]

Tom, find a new mechanic.

[Cape Codder]

Today, I had Niemiec Marine of New Bedford, MA with their mobile service replace my 2003 6LP (w/engine box)timing belt. Niemiec Marine is a certified Yanmar Sevice Center.
Terrific job! The mechanic was knowledgable, friendly, and competent. Start to finish, with a running engine (on the hard) less than 4 hrs.
He left the boat cleaner than when he started, and wore soft "booties" while working. Great to find an outfit that is so pleasant to do business with.
An hour later, Marty Niemiec called me to thank me for the business, and to make sure I was satisfied. Very rare indeed.

BTW, after 12 years and 880 hours, the belt was in great shape as well as the tensioner. But, an important "peace of mind" project. Casey, the mechanic, said he was surprised to see how good the condition of the belt was.
All good!

[carolmarie]

When I replaced mine after 10 years and 660 hours, it looked absolutely like brand new.

[Norseman]

Got the service recommendation from my local Yanmar shop today,
It says to replace the belt every 1250 hrs or 5 years.
The boat I am looking at is 4 years overdue and the sellers broker says there is not need to change the belt.
Think I will walk away from this deal, ticking time-bomb come to mind.

[Cape Codder]

We're talking $1,000-1,200 for peace of mind for at least 7-8 years if you replace.
If it goes..........$30K+.........and potentially a very dangerous situation if it goes at the wrong time.
Remember..........Murphy's Law........

[RobS]

Got the service recommendation from my local Yanmar shop today,
It says to replace the belt every 1250 hrs or 5 years.
The boat I am looking at is 4 years overdue and the sellers broker says there is not need to change the belt.
Think I will walk away from this deal, ticking time-bomb come to mind.

Walking away from the boat because timing belt is overdue? That's drastic. Why not just have price adjusted accordingly. FWIW, they all come out looking like new, but yes failure is catastrophic.