Replace your own timing belt
- Thread starter tunapie
- Start date
It is necessary to tilt the engine, otherwise the t-belt covers will never come out (they’re hard enough with a tilted engine!). The flywheel can be fixed two ways: (1) by using the special tool that fits the flywheel pulley or (2) by removing the flywheel cover (easy) and have someone wedge the flywheel teeth with a big flat-blade screwdriver to fix the flywheel. People have used both methods with success. It’s probably a good idea to perform a search on the DIY forum to get more info about the DIY t-belt replacement procedure before proceeding much further down the t-belt road. After you’ve done the search and read through the posts, let us know what your thoughts are and I’m sure those of us who have done the t-belt DIY would be happy to give advice, and encouragement.
DanO
DanO
As DanO, myself and a few others have experienced this is a challenging DYI. I have a procedure in the works, but have not been able to get back to it.
The key here is that there are a few things, that IF they go wrong, you will be very sorry you did it as a DYI, as in bent valves.
I would not discourage you, as long as you have the experience. Have you done a timing belt before? On a "V" engine? Have you done things like a clutch, trans rebuild, head gasket?
This is definately not a first time DYI. I have been working on cars for over 25 years and this one really had me thinking! Almost had a major "oh, s$%t" when I thought I bend a few valves.
So, my advise is DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Where are you located? I have the crankshaft holding tool and the correct breaker bar arrangement if you need it.
Frankly, I thought this issue with the crank bolt was the big challenge, it was a walk in the park, compared to timing the gears, bleeding the system, finding how to get to every cover bolt, etc. (read MarkB's comments in the FAQ, very inlightening)
As DanO mentioned, if you decide to do it we all would be happy to guide you through it. I will say, dispite all these cautions, and a few scary moments, I did have quite a big grin, when I took the car out on the road and it was cruising better then ever!!! I would not hesitate to do it again, with complete confidence.
Plan AT LEAST a full weekend the first time.
HTH,
LarryB
The key here is that there are a few things, that IF they go wrong, you will be very sorry you did it as a DYI, as in bent valves.
I would not discourage you, as long as you have the experience. Have you done a timing belt before? On a "V" engine? Have you done things like a clutch, trans rebuild, head gasket?
This is definately not a first time DYI. I have been working on cars for over 25 years and this one really had me thinking! Almost had a major "oh, s$%t" when I thought I bend a few valves.
So, my advise is DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Where are you located? I have the crankshaft holding tool and the correct breaker bar arrangement if you need it.
Frankly, I thought this issue with the crank bolt was the big challenge, it was a walk in the park, compared to timing the gears, bleeding the system, finding how to get to every cover bolt, etc. (read MarkB's comments in the FAQ, very inlightening)
As DanO mentioned, if you decide to do it we all would be happy to guide you through it. I will say, dispite all these cautions, and a few scary moments, I did have quite a big grin, when I took the car out on the road and it was cruising better then ever!!! I would not hesitate to do it again, with complete confidence.
Plan AT LEAST a full weekend the first time.
HTH,
LarryB
Northern California.
I will be doing this soon as well. All suggetions are appreciated!!
Yea, take it to the dealer!
nsxxtreme,
Private me.
LarryB
Private me.
LarryB
Thank You Larry very informative!!
