Timing Belt Kit & Radiator Purchase

[Tad]

2nd post here, intro topic is here: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=30865

 

We are gearing up to replace the timing belt and cooling system and are looking for a complete TB kit along with replacing the leaky radiator and related hoses/belts.

 

First Question: TB Kit

Is this a good deal and are these quality parts?

http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Infiniti-1997-2000/dp/B003BKQJLK

Due to our work schedules we are better off having items mailed in but we sure don't want to go in a year from now a replace some inferior parts.

I'm sure there are other kits out there and would really appreciate the direction and guidance of the brain power here.

 

Second Question: Radiator/Cooling System

Leaky rad is a plastic cap/Al body version, is that stock?

 

I see radiators online and local with quite a price spread.

http://www.completeradiators.com/parts/Infiniti~QX4ZZZZ~2000~V6+3%2E3+Liter+GAS~si=s734065389~CompleteZZRadiators/

(I have had good service from Modine products, have never used Proliance)

The RockAuto (link does not work right) goes from around $90 to $130, various manufacturers.

I see mention on some rad sites that some are for up to Jan 2000 and after Jan 2000. I can check the VIN for build date but is this a big deal?

Looked but maybe I missed it:

Do we have a vendor that offers a cooling kit?

(rad, upper, lower and bypass hoses)

[180sx]

I can't tell if your is before aft 200 from your pic. Just look up a 2001 QX4 and a 99 QX4. Wichever one yours looks like, that will tell you before/aft 2000.

[Tad]

Thank you for the reply 180,

Most of the pic's I have been pulling up are "generic" pic's that don't spec out the mounts, I'll go check the VIN later this morning.

 

Anyone have advise on the TB kit above?

Or a better purchase option?

We'd like to go into it this coming weekend and wind up the TB kit and cooling system by Labor Day.

[Tad]

Parts are here and we made some decent progress over the weekend.

We narrowed the TB kits down to 3 and discovered they were all the same company.

These folks:

http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-Infiniti-1997-2000/dp/B003BKQJLK

http://www.timingbeltkit.com/servlet/the-608/timing-belt,-qx4-timing/Detail

So we found them on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Timing-Belt-Kit-Infiniti-QX4-1997-1998-1999-2000-3-3L-/360349014955

 

Not quite that far into it yet to praise or complain since this work only happens on the weekends, Em insists on doing all the work herself, I just point at things.

 

 

 

I was able to modify my cheapo HF puller using studs since we couldn't find any bolts long enough on a Sunday.

Worked just fine.

 

 

We are ready to pull the belt, gears and such for this coming Saturday.

 

Seems I am almost at the limit for pic's per post so I'll deal with the radiator that arrived in a separate post.

Edited August 9, 2011 by Tad

[Tad]

The radiator that arrived is made in China.

http://www.radiatorexpress.com/product.asp?part=1999+INFINITI+QX4++%2D+3%2E3+liter+V6+RADIATOR+All+Aluminum+Replacement&part_id=6323&aaia_id=1355778

I TIG weld AL reasonably often and the construction looks good.

Packaging was decent and the test fit was spot on.

 

 

The two locations at the top for the shroud are not tapped for the screws that hold the shroud on.

Not a big deal, go slow, use lube, just like tapping threads, it would bite to break one off in there.

 

 

I must say we are really pleased with those 3 spark plug locations

It must have taken over an hour to clean all the dirt from around them with a coat hanger and an air gun to just get the socket on.

 

Question:

Which of the AT cooler lines is the output from the transmission?

Or can I just trace them forward from the tranny?

[adamzan]

The easiest way to find out which line is which is to put the hoses in a bucket and turn the truck on for a split second.

[mattyrides07]

how long does the TB take to replace on this truck???

[Tad]

The easiest way to find out which line is which is to put the hoses in a bucket and turn the truck on for a split second.

Not really in a position to do that right now since so much has been removed.

I'd really like to get the cooler in place before the weekend so we are not spending time on that and can get things swapped and buttoned up.

 

how long does the TB take to replace on this truck???

It's probably a one day job for an experienced mechanic.

For us, we hope to have it buttoned up and running in 4 full work days, but we are piddling with other stuff too.

[Tad]

Trans output was the drivers side.

Everything went real well.

 

 

Em's got to travel for a week or two but it's mobile.

I'll button up reinstalling the front facia while she is gone and then it's onto the steering rack and suspension.

[Simon]

how long does the TB take to replace on this truck???

If you've got everything you need in terms of parts, and the correct tools, probably around 7-8 hours for a first timer.

 

I've got it down to about 3.5-4 hrs for a VG motor now. But I've done quite a few of them. My first one I must have lined up, and relined up the timing belt 15 times because I was so scared, which I'm sure accounts for much of the added time.