Should I stay or should I go to the RTR?

[HarmonicaBruce]

If you're willing to have your timing belt break, and destroy your engine somewhere in the middle of Arkansas, then go for it. Personally, I'd fix the timing belt before driving more than 10 miles. But, I really hate being left on the side of the road with no plan.

 

[Gypsysoul]

Would a mechanic be able to look at it and tell me anything about if it needed to be replaced right away or should I just get it done to be on the safe side?

 

[SoulRaven]

One might if there is obvious fraying, but most times it does not show, it (the belt) just gets weak. I would try and get a better price to get it done before I left, it obviously worries you and would make for a lousy trip just waiting for the thing to break. But......as Bob said , nothing is without risk. Check the Craigslist in your area and look under services and find a mechanic. Ask how much to install if you have the parts. Or take a quarter and flip it... Heads you go, tails you wait..

A mechanic will greatly mark up the price for parts so that may help some. Good luck..

 

[minimotos95]

You can pull the upper timing cover off pretty easily to inspect the belt for cracking but that only tells part of the story, the reinforcements inside the belt could be failing and the exterior still look fine, the tensioners could be getting weak, etc.


If you do decide to drive it try to keep the RPMs down, even on an interference motor breaking the belt at around idle it's possible for all the internals to survive.

 

[StarEcho]

You might also go to a local automotive store and ask for recommendations for mechanics. I found a great mobile mechanic who does great work for fair prices and does it in my own garage or driveway! Can't beat that. He doesn't charge extra for parts, just what they cost him. He only charges for labor. Never would have heard about him without the recommendation from a local AutoZone.

 

[user 2252]

OK, get the work done, nothing beats peace of mind. Choose a reputable shop, perhaps the Kia dealership. Please stay away from the box stores, like Monroe or Goodyear or even Walmart. As you probable know, you will have warranty on the work done. I plan on leaving central NY on the first of Jan. If you like, we can meet somewhere on the way, this side of the Mississippi and travel together to the RTR. You may email me or PM me if this interests you.

 

[rvwandering]

Tothemoonandback - just a little plug for Vonbrown if you're considering traveling with him. I know that's it's a little intimidating to set up a meeting with a stranger especially if you're female but Vonbrown is a good guy, a good mechanic and should be a good traveling partner. Hope to see you at the RTR!

 

[Gypsysoul]

Thank everyone for the replies. I think I am going to see if I can find someone to the work cheaper and see how that plays out.

 

[Hereandthere]

Isn't there also something going on in Florida by way of get-together? That's a LOT closer to where you are!

 

[vanman2300]

I once had a timing belt go and it bent over the valves so I had to have a complete valve job done too. Huge cost! So if I were going to risk the drive to the RTR I'd check to see if your vehicle could break a timing belt and not cause any other serious damage. I know I wished I had the belt changed instead of driving it until it broke.

 

[masterplumber]

It sounds like you probably should try and get it replaced before traveling that far. I totally understand you wanting to go, to be on the way to see your relations - I'm doing the same thing as I travel to see my dad in CA as you never know when you see them if it will be the last time or not. If you do decide to risk driving there without replacing it first, my son who just graduated with a degree in automotive and diesel technology will be with me and would probably love helping you out. And we should have all the tools needed with us.

 

[Gypsysoul]

Thank you so much masterplumber. That is very kind. At this point, I am unsure of what I am going to do. If I don't get it fixed and I end up coming to the RTR, I am sure I will take you guys up on the offer. Thanks again

 

[SoulRaven]

If you decide to go do you know when you would go?

 

[Gypsysoul]

Bob,

Probably the second of January, but what I failed to mention(because I didn't think it would matter lol), is that I was the passenger in my friends car last Friday when we were rear ended. I kept having rib pain and a hard time breathing, but thought it would go away. I found out tonight fractured ribs and could take up to 6 weeks to heal. Sooo I need to watch this closely too and see if I still have a chance of going. I certainly don't want to go and feel bad.

 

[SoulRaven]

May be a sign you need to wait until next year. Health comes first and being stuck somewhere without your doctor would be no fun. If you do decide to go let me know, I was going to suggest that if you were short of cash until your disability check arrives I would pay you for rides to and from the tent.. But that's if I go. Once I set up I don't want to move my van.

Anyway, hope you feel better. Be safe.

 

[Gypsysoul]

Thanks so much for the offer. I am thinking all this may be signs too. I wish there were other gatherings throughout the year. I really want to meet people and learn as much as I can.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Moon, I've had fractured ribs a couple of times. They hurt horribly and you think they will never get better, then suddenly you don't notice they are okay.

 

[Gypsysoul]

dragonflyinthesky - About how long does it take to get better?

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

6 weeks then its simply okay. I'm a horseman, i's a common thing. I'm not an addictive type person so I can take a few pain meds if needed. If you can get vicodin and it agrees with you, you may want to try that.

 

[Gypsysoul]

ty They gave me percocet and it is helping some. I was on loritab and it wasn't cutting it.