Just got a 97 OBS that is very clean and runs perfect and want to keep it that way. It has 110,000 miles and I don't know when/if the timing belt was changed. There are no oil leaks anywhere and the drive belts, fuel/air filters, antifreeze, A/T fluid are newer so I know previous owner has done a fair amount of maintenance. I suspect someone who was that up on things would have had the t-belt done at some point too but can't confirm. Is it possible to remove the timing belt cover on one of these and see enough of the belt to determine it's age & condition?

Also does the 97 2.2 use the older or newer style tensioner on the t-belt assembly?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, you can pull one or both of the side covers and if the belt is original you will know it. These are interference engines, so when in doubt change the belt, pulleys...

 

With the drivers side cover off, you should be able to see the old style tensioner if you look inside the center cover.

97 is a weird year as i've seen them have both style tensioners.

 

pull the drivers side or passengers side belt cover - only 3 10mm bolts each to inspect timing belt.

 

personally i'd plan on replacing it. not because of the belt but because this is an interference engine and it's unlikely that they replaced the pulleys. you don't want to rely on 13 year old pulleys in an interference engine, they loose grease over time. they do seize and when they do they will break the belt, new or not.

 

you have two options, pull it apart and replace the pulleys that are questionable (will probably be a few).

 

or get an ebay kit that includes all the pulleys, they are much cheaper than the pulleys individually and you have all new pulleys. that's what i typically do.

 

hate to say it but i'd replace the water pump too, same reason due to age. but you can leave it if you'd like of course, these water pumps are very reliable.