Should I stay or should I go to the RTR?

[Gypsysoul]

I have been battling within my self on some issues about getting on the road. I can't come up with a conclusion that makes me feel comfortable enough, so I thought I would post and get opinions.

Here are the facts:

I really, really want to attend the RTR, because without a doubt I know that I will meet people with a lot of knowledge that I can learn. Also, people like minded that understand where I am coming from.

I will be in my Kia Sportage that has 147, 000 miles.

I have had new tires put on and done all maintentance recently, replacing belts ect., except the recommended maintenance of replacing the water pump and timing belt. It's fairly expensive to replace these and I am wondering if it is entirely necessary at this time.

If I have the work done on the car, then I will be left with enough money to make it in gas, but nothing else. If I don't have work done on the car, I will have about 500 left.

I have the fear of what if something goes wrong. I know I should probabl6y just go, but I wanted to run it by you guys first and see what the opinions were.

 

[Reducto]

First, why do they say you need to replace the water pump? If it shows sign of going out, you should jump on that right away. If they just say you should do it for the heck of it while changing the timing belt, you can probably wait. Do you know when the belt was last replaced, if ever?

$500 is not much of a buffer. As helpful as the RTR can be, you may want to get some sort of income stream going before venturing too far.

 

[Almost There]

First, and I'm sure some of the mechanics around here will jump in if necessary, but I've never, in 50 years of driving, ever replaced a water pump/timing belt as preventative maintenance. But then I've never driven a KIA so maybe they need it done at that mileage. And yes, I've had water pumps go and timing belts jump a notch..not pretty!

When I was young and foolish I'd take off on road trips with just enough money to handle the trip and never even worry about emergencies or next week.

Now, that I'm older and wiser, I'm much more aware of the future. If the money that you've got is ALL you've got and no specific date for more money coming in, then I'd say a trip to RTR is a luxury that can ill be afforded. While I'm sure that you'd learn a lot and meet a lot of nice people there, there's always next year or you can meet up with some of them at some other time and place.

If you've got a steady income of any kind ie disability or retirement income AND a charge card that can handle an emergency that's a different story altogether, then I'd say go for it.

JMHO

 

[SoulRaven]

When you type "timing belt" are you referring to the serpentine belt? I know on both of my daughters cars it was recommended to replace the serpentine belt at 100,000. $500.00 is not much of a cushion

Having a problem with your car once you get there would probably not be too difficult to have friends from here help you sort them out, but a breakdown on the road really puts you at risk. Just my opinion ( and if you knew how many times my opinion has sucked lately i could be wrong) but I would wait.

Whatever you decide, if you can find someone to caravan with might be a safe way to come out there.

Safe Travels Bob J.

 

[Patrick46]

here's an easy question I haven't seen yet...


how far are you from Yuma?? A 1 day drive, or many long days away?? Are you in a place that's bogged down in snow, or are you somewhere warm??

These will give you an easy answer to your question

 

[flying kurbmaster]

most modern cars have timing belts instead of chains which rarely needed replacing. Timing belts generally need replacing every 60,000 miles they will last longer but most manufacturers usually recommend this mileage, I am sure there are exceptions. They usually replace the water pump, sometimes a gear or a pulley, the parts are inexpensive and they are in their hands, so most reputable mechanics will suggest replacing them while they have it open, because most of the 600 700 800 + dollar cost is labour. If you don't replace it, when it breaks and it will eventually but that may be tomorrow or not for another 30,000miles but when it does, the cost is much higher.
If I was taking the risk I would add this up, when was it last replaced usually the mileage is written in marker or on a sticker in the engine compartment, where did the car live it's entire life or at least since the last replacement everything last longer in temperate climates. I wouldn't personally worry about exceeding the recommended 60,000 by 10,000 in most cases.

 

[Gypsysoul]

Reducto - The water pump is not bad. It is recommended that I change it when I change the timing belt. I have never replaced the timing belt and I think I have had the car since about 70,000 miles. Not sure what recommended is, but I stated that I wanted to make a trip to the West Coast and was trying to do everything needed to make sure I wouldn't have problems. This is what came up.

Almost There - Yes I have never repaired the timing belt/water pump either as preventive. That was a new one on me. I am on disability and have a check coming in each month, so it wouldn't be like I had nothing.

bobj - They call it the timing belt. I have had the other belts replaced.

Patrick - I am in South Carolina. So somewhere warm. Please let me know your thoughts here. Does a climate make a difference on timing belts?

Flying Kurbmaster - You hit the nail on the head in the way I have had it explained to me. I am having no problems with the car right now(knock on wood), just suggested that I have this done. I do not think it has ever been replaced.

 

[Luisafernandes]

Climate shouldn't make a difference for when you have to change it.
South Carolina isn't next door to Arizona, it's a risk you might not want to take. Unless you have other income coming in. [emoji604][emoji106]

 

[Gypsysoul]

Luisfernandes - I do get a disability check each month. While it isn't much, it is something. I do need to venture that way anyway as my grandmother will be 101 and I haven't seen her in years. Of course with age, her health is failing. I was hoping to go to the RTR and hang out in that area until I could get to Reno. I am not sure how bad of a winter they will have, so I would try to avoid it, but be closer at the same time. I really feel that I must attempt this soon as well.

 

[SoulRaven]

Just a thought, here is the belt and pump. Perhaps buy it and ask someone at the RTR to help replace it. There has been several posts from folks offering mechanical help if you have the parts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/97-08-Fits-...it-/321143279096?fits=Make:Kia|Model:Sportage

 

[Gypsysoul]

Thanks BobJ that's awesome. Is there anyone that would be able to do that? I don't know if it requires special skill/tools ect.?

 

[minimotos95]

Do not skip or delay replacing the timing belt, Kia's use motor designs similar to Mitsubishi where if the belt snaps or even skips you could put a valve through a piston and your entire motor is done. People always ignore timing belt maintenance then blame the car for being "junk" when the belt fails at 100k and they figure out that the $500 maintenance they skipped just cost a few grand and left them stranded. Depending on the manufacturer timing belts need replaced every 50-80k so I can believe that the Kia is due for it's third or fourth belt.
While it's apart the waterpump is something that you might as well do since it runs off and is buried behind the timing belt.
I prefer Gates or OEM belts, I have seen cheap belts fail in under 10k miles resulting in bent valves.

 

[akrvbob]

I have no idea what you should do!

But here's a general principle I use as a general guiding light:

If you consistently play it safe while playing the "What If?" game you are certain to end up with "Whatt if I don't have a life?"
Bob

 

[Gypsysoul]

That's true Bob. Thank you for putting it that way! Makes a lot of sense!

 

[flying kurbmaster]

so you have the math at least part of it, you know or can find out what the manufacturer recommends, say 55,000 to 70,000 miles, you have done 77,000miles with no belt change, you are either 7,000 over the limit or 22,000 assuming it was changed just before you bought it. if it has never been changed then you are either 77,000 over or 92,000 miles over the recommended limit.

 

[Gypsysoul]

ty flying kurbmaster

 

[SternWake]

All modern cars with timing belts have a recommended replacement interval. And yes it is a fair amount of labor.

If it is an interference engine, meaning if the timing belt breaks, then the valves can meet the pistons and basically ruin the engine.

If it is not an interference engine than a broke timing belt leaves you stranded, and having to pony out that money and A tow and then you are at the mercy of a mechanic en route instead of one at home.

Water pumps are relatively inexpensive, and usually must be removed to access the timing belt.

There can be other things that might just be easier to replace while everything is apart to change the timing belt. But don't try to save 65$ by reusing an old water pump, as it will come back and bite you.

So while the pump might be OK for 50 K miles moe, it might start leaking in 5k, So if you do the belt, then do the pump.

You need to find Kia's recommended schedule for timing belt replacement.

If you have predominantly highway driven most of the miles on the belt then you can go past their recommendation, if it is all city miles then preemptively changing it early can be wise, especially if it is an interference engine.

Look up a specific Kia forum for your Model, join and ask them, as we are all making guesses, and possibly very bad ones.

 

[SoulRaven]

Okay , Autozone complete kit, all parts OEM at $205.00. Sternwake is correct, if the thing breaks bad things happen to your engine. and between Midland-Odessa and El Paso you have many miles of nothing. Nobody can make your decision for you but maybe you can find a mechanic thru Craigslist who can install at a reasonable rate. Or travel with another vehicle or two who can assist you should you need help. Have AAA.

Give your post some time on the offers for help, you just may get someone who can do it for you for a six pack of beer and a steak.


http://www.autozone.com/external-engine/water-pump/kia/sportage-2wd/2006/6-cylinders-2-7l-mfi-dohc

 

[wagoneer]

Having doubts is a norm. But if it keeps you from enjoyment. We are at risk, the moment you step out the door. I say go for it.

 

[Gypsysoul]

Thank you all for your help and advice. The main part of me says go, but the cautious part is holding me back. What to do? What to do? lol