opus Posted April 20, 2008 Author Share Posted April 20, 2008 While we're on this, how often 'should' one change belts on an EA82? I love mine. If I could make it run computer-less, I would love it better. After all, I am down to about 3 vacuum hoses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 I like to check mine out every time I do an oil change. If you notice the belts becoming cracked, discoloration, or oil residue on them, then its time to replace them. If an interval is needed, depending on the belts, with NEW OEM ones, you can do the 75k interval I think it is? Cheaper belts need to be replaced more often... I bought a timing belt kit with idler and tensioners off of ebay for $55 or so and its been awesome in the 1500 miles I've put on them. WHen I did them though, I pulled the motor and replaced a bunch of seals/gaskets, replaced the radiator hoses, clutch and did a cooling flush and oil change. I figure if you keep up on the maintanence of the motor, it'll last forever. I put my EA82 SPFI through its paces and it doesn't complain and this includes high revving, twisty road sprited driving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingbobdole Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 In my opinion, the EA81 is a better motor. There are less parts that can fail By That logic, we'd all be driving RX-7s, not model A's. (I drive a model A at work EVERYDAY twice a day... runs great.. ) Anyhoo... I'm a big EA82 fan, just not the turbo, don't get me started. I've had my wagon for 3 years now and had my first problem a few days after my last outing... I drove through some really high mud... the kind that upsets the distributor and makes it not want to run... and turns the engine a nice tan color... After a few days a T-belt idler failed. I had never opened the front of the motor in the past 3 years, and the car had sat for 2 years prior... and it's highly unlikely it had been touched before that at all.. so yeah, lack of maintenance FTL. Anyway I got all new idlers, and actually threw some used belts in there and left it coverless... I've junked so many of these engines due to not needing parts that I have many sets of belts... and as my EA fleet gets converted I end up with even more extra sets. IIRC all I need to save myself is a 12mm and a ratchet? Plus with the lift it is a cake walk. Now I can see the other side as well... I have an EA81 BRAT and all I did to it was change the dizzy and add plugs and wires to get it running... It was a pizza guys car before and well... taking care of it wasn't even on his radar... the little oil there was was thick and creamy. Thing still runs great tho. My opinion.... I prefer the EA82.. I've owned many more of them because I prefer the body style... and I just know how to work on them more as well. The EA81 is a great motor as well, just not my cup of tea, and I personally don't like the body style. I like my cars designed with rulers and sharp right angles... none of these rounded corners!:-p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 I like both engines, the only clear advantage to me of the EA-81 is it's ability to take on a few more inches of water ?????? Why would the EA81 be any better than an EA82 for this??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishums Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 ?????? Why would the EA81 be any better than an EA82 for this??? Those timing belts don't like going underwater as much, as the push rods being internal But you've got to be slightly crazy to go in that deep to begin with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opus Posted April 21, 2008 Author Share Posted April 21, 2008 Problem solved. I have been given 2 straight, rust free 85-86 GL wagons. My wife will kill me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misledxcracker Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 You're so effin lucky. Wish I had ONE EA82 wagon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 You're so effin lucky. Wish I had ONE EA82 wagon come up here to Washington, they practically give them away and they are usually in decent shape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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