timing belt

1989 FORD PROBE
91,000 MILES
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K9KASO
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I am looking at this car to purchase and notice it seems that the timing belt is rubbing its cover. Is this a serious issue or just a case of the cover may be warped. It seems to be noticed when its warmed up and i can push on the cover to make the noise worse so i am sure thats where the problem is just not sure how bad a problem
May 6, 2013 at 5:57 AM
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CARADIODOC
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The cover could be installed wrong but I've never seen one warp. You may want to remove the top cover and look at how the belt is tracking in the center of the sprockets and whether it's shredding on the sides. If it's not perfectly centered you can expect there's something wrong with the sprocket alignment or tensioning device.

Since you didn't list the engine size I don't know if it's an interference engine. If its is and the belt breaks, the open valves will be hit by the pistons as they coast to a stop. That repair will cost more than the car is worth.
May 6, 2013 at 1:57 PM