Timing belt is a lot of labor. Normally they swap out the waterpump at the same time (since it usually needs to be taken off anyway).

I had a Camry (V6) where I didn't change the timing belt until about 180K miles. My mechanic told me the belt was like new and probably could have gone another 50K + without problem. Of course he changed the belt anyways while he was in there (it would have been silly not to at that point).

It's safest to change it, some engines are called "interference engines" where if the timing belt breaks, the valves can hit the pistons causing very bad expensive stuff to happen. The timing belt "times" when the valve opening/closing occurs. I broke a timing belt on a miata last year (went way past the recommended mileage), but since it's a non interference engine, I was ok (still needed a tow).

While my timing belt itself looks fine (and it designed to go to 100k) the other parts (bearings etc) are what usually fail first and it's best to get it done while he's in there anyways. I COMPLETELY trust my mechanic. He ONLY works on Volvos and Saabs and has been my mechanic for quite a while now. I actually missed him when I had the Mercedes.

I also don't want anything to happen while we're traveling. With the Volvo being the car we're taking to Yosemite/Cambira, I feel better about it being in good shape.

I will ask him about the water pump - thanks DPR.

I auditioned for "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel" last night for a local theatre here. It went well. It was a loooong audition, though. 3 hours, 15 minutes. I had a specific character in mind to audition for. The director kept steering me in another direction for another part. I should hear today about if I'm in or not. I felt a little rusty last night, but it was fun to get myself out there again. In the process, I got to make some people laugh. That's the best feeling in the world to have people chuckle at something you did.
:)

Ahem to all sitting on some tax refund money!
 

neimanmarcus.com is having 25% off their last call merch today PLUS free shipping with code SHOPNM. There are serious, serious bargains to be had.

Good luck, GC ! :cheers:

I know it's good luck to "break a leg" in show business. I have this co-worker who's rather annoying, if it would help.....

So did you end up auditioning for the role you like, the one the director was hinting at, or does it not work like that?

Gah you're evil :evil: I must not look, I must not look.......

Well, I put down the name of the character I wanted on the sign-in form. But there is a section of the form where they ask you if you would be okay if you were cast in one of the other parts. I said yes. So he had me read two parts, several parts actually which can be good or bad. It could mean that he wants to see how diverse of an actor I am or he can't figure out where I fit in...
No call yet...
:)