Timing Belt Upper Cover

[joshellis]

I want to inspect my timing belt. Is there any way to remove the upper timing belt cover without first removing the radiator? Or maybe an inspection hole somewhere? Thanks, 1987 VG30

Edited June 12, 2009 by joshellis

[Nismojunky]

there should be 4 bolts or 6 or 8 cant remember to take that cover off it will be a pita but it can be done

[Kingman]

Yes, you can take the cover off without removing anything. I had to do this when I was replacing the bypass hose for the thermostat housing, which is directly behind the timing belt and cover.

 

I think, as nismo said, it's somewhere around 4-6 bolts that hold it on. If I remember correctly, you'll want to remove the tensioner pulley for the AC pump, and that's 3 long bolts.

 

My memory is probably backwards or mixed with something else since it's been a while, I'm sure more people will chime in.

[frecklecolouredbrain]

you can take off the entire cover without removing anything. there are a couple of bolts in some tricky spots, but it can be done. And look at your Haynes for the proper replacement order; if you don't put the bolts on in the right order nothing fits properly. Hint: remember how you did it. When you change your thermostat, you won't have to take off all your belts if you remove the T-belt cover.

[joshellis]

Thanks guys. I suspect it has been replaced recently, because the rest of the engine has been meticulously maintained. I acquired this PF about 4 months ago, so its more for peace of mind than anything! Cheers

[GrimGreg]

Visually you will not know if it is new or at 60k. When I pulled my 88's it looked new, but I knew it had at least 70k on it (PO had put about that much on the truck and never changed it). New T-belt was the first thing both of my Pathfinders got when I bought them (dealer even paid for it on my 93 ). I lived through a VG30 with a broken T-belt once, never want to go there again.

[joshellis]

Visually you will not know if it is new or at 60k. When I pulled my 88's it looked new, but I knew it had at least 70k on it (PO had put about that much on the truck and never changed it). New T-belt was the first thing both of my Pathfinders got when I bought them (dealer even paid for it on my 93 ). I lived through a VG30 with a broken T-belt once, never want to go there again.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I actually managed to remove the upper cover and have a look. Like GrimGreg says there was no way of telling its condition.

 

It's too ambitious a task to attempt changing it myself, since its my daily driver and frankly I dont have the skills or knowledge in setting timing etc. The To-Do on the forum is really interesting.

 

How much would I have to cough up to get the belt changed? Expressed in hrs labor & parts. I'm in the SF Bay Area but I think I can still get a good deal if I hunt around.

[GrimGreg]

Thanks for all the help guys. I actually managed to remove the upper cover and have a look. Like GrimGreg says there was no way of telling its condition.

 

It's too ambitious a task to attempt changing it myself, since its my daily driver and frankly I dont have the skills or knowledge in setting timing etc. The To-Do on the forum is really interesting.

 

How much would I have to cough up to get the belt changed? Expressed in hrs labor & parts. I'm in the SF Bay Area but I think I can still get a good deal if I hunt around.

 

Done right, with all the parts replaced that should be, probably $500-$800 total to have a shop do it. Parts alone you can probably get for under $150 if you know places to get deals, under $250 if you just go get all dealer parts. Whatever you do, be sure to get a new, not reconditioned water pump.

 

Parts:

Upper and lower radiator hoses

Thermostat

bypass hose

the 3 V belts

Cam seals (2)

Crank seal

tensioner

water pump

timing belt

 

A few of the parts you need to remove the timing belt to replace or need to remove to get to the timing belt, so you might as well just replace them now, and not have to worry about pulling the front of the engine apart again to fix it in a year.

[joshellis]

Heres the frustrating part - I'm looking into the engine bay right now, and the water pump looks new - fresh gaskets, all drive belts are new, the bolts holding on the radiator show evidence of having been removed before. Ignition wires are all new, not that it matters in this case.

 

So I'm trying to get hold of the previous owner, see if he has any maintenance records that will put my mind at ease.

 

Thanks for all the help so far, will keep you guys posted.

[Precise1]

Like I tell everyone, if you do not know for certain if the TB has been serviced within spec, make sure it is!! The TB is the #1 killer of of the VG30 motor under 200k miles

Sounds like yours has been done so do your best to talk to the PO about it.

 

As for GG's list, I'll argue that the upper and lower radiator hoses and the 3 belts do not need replacing unless obviously showing signs of wear/damage; they can all be dealt with without difficulty later on. If you do decide to change them regardless (admittedly not a bad idea) then throw them in a box and keep them in the back of the truck...

 

B