After how much kilometers the timing-belt of Santro (Atos) should be checked/changed?
I am asking this because I have heard that if it brakes on the move then it causes serious damages to the engine, therefore it should be inspected and changed well in time.

:00000732: Junaid!

All Hyundai engines are 'interference' engines, meaning that if the timing belt breaks, serious engine damage will result from the pistons striking the valves. This can require a complete engine rebuild depending on the severity of the strike. Bent valves and a cracked engine cylinder head are common.

the timing belt should be changed at 96,000 Km or 60,000 miles.

Byron

Hi Byron! Thanks for the info

Junaid,

You are welcome, that is why the forum is so useful.

Byron

Please provide me with the user manual or shop manual of 999cc Hyundai Epsilon engine. Please give me a link to the manual or email me at Junaid_Hassan@Yahoo.com.
This engine is in Atos, Santro and some other Hyundai cars.

This post has been edited by Junaid_Hassan: Jul 31 2007, 10:50 PM

Hello. I've just saw the answer about changing the timing belt at 96.000km. Well here in Greece (Europe) we change the timing belts in Atos/Santro at every 45.000km. Maybe you should ask your local dealership in order not to have unpleasant surprises, because 45 to 96 are a long way different !!!

Byron (and/or anyone else who can help),
Having read this thread I regard this "timing belt" is a critical part in Hyundai engines.
Please treat the questions below as a question from a totally newbie.
Can you explain a bit about that "timing belt":
- Where is it (easily visible from outside or inside engine block that needs lots of work)?
- Is it physically a chain or a belt?
- Is it replaceable by ordinary car owner or a professional help is required? (I am familiar enough to motorcycle engine, including repairing many parts of motorcycle engine, but relatively new to car engine. I own Hyundai Atoz)

Thanks for the information.

I would replace a timing belt on a Atos at 40,000 miles.

It is a belt and is located underneath the black cover on the front off the engine.
You will need to remove all the auxillary belts/water pump pulley/engine mounting/crankshaft pulley and cambelt covers. The engine sprockets have timing marks which have to be aligned when replacing the belt.

The crankshaft sprocket should be looked at for wear in the crankshaft mounting face-if worn replace.

I have the 999 cc Santro (1 lit) and as per the manual, the timing belt should be inspected at 60000 kms and replaced at this point in case of severe usage conditions. In case of normal usage and if no problems at 60000 kms, then replacement is required at 80000 kms. My Santro has just crossed 80000 kms (I must say pretty severe usage, hit 150 kmph every week on the highway). So I will be replacing timing belt at next service this week.

A related question: Is it mandatory to replace water pump along with timing belt? I am not inclined to tamper with water pump as it seems to be working fine so far.

This post has been edited by rks: Sep 7 2008, 01:48 AM