Timing Belt

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

K i looked in the How to's for the timing belt info nothing really answered my questions so i figured that i would ask, i bought a Timing belt kit and new water pump today and am hoping to install when i get off in a couple of hours. Now how long does this proccess take? Also do i need any special Tools cause all i have right now is a standard tool set because someone stole all of my tools. i should get home around 9:00P.M. and am hoping to finish this project tonight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[k9sar]

shouldn't need any special tools unless you are taking the crank pully off (big-ass socket). Just make sure you mark your cam gear positions before pulling your old belt (and yes, they will creep when the tension is released). Flat scraper comes in handy removing the old water pump gasket. Keep track of the bolts as they are NOT all the same. Good luck. Come back and ask if you run into any issues, I'm sure someone in here would be glad to help.

[RedPath88]

Lets see.. a bucket or pan to drain coolant, allen head wrench for adjusting the tensioner (don't recall the exact size)... by "standard" you do mean a typical set of "metric" wenches and sockets... right?

 

But most importantly.. more time. If you need the truck to get to work tomorrow or anywhere else, then don't do it until you have at least the next day off.

Based on how you asked I am assuming you have never done this before... I highly recommend allowing yourself more time to get the job done.. and done right

 

It's typically only a 4-6hr job, depending on how familiar one is with the engine... but allowing a time "buffer" on your first time is not a bad idea. Things like stuck or broken bolts can occur, though not too likely. Allowing time to "walk away" if you get frustrated is always a good idea. If you don't give yourself that extra time and end up in a hurry to get it done, then mistakes are more likely to happen

 

Can't seem to think of anything else right now, But I am sure something will come to mind... or others will chime in on this.

Edited January 6, 2006 by RedPath88

[Filthy Luker]

You should do your thermostat at the same time as well. It will take you probably 5 hours or so.

[k9sar]

daytime is definately best to do the work unless you have a well lit shop. Working on stuff like that in the driveway int he dark is a PITA.

[RedPath88]

daytime is definately best to do the work unless you have a well lit shop. Working on stuff like that in the driveway int he dark is a PITA.

Agreed :::Speaks from experience:: that was how I did the first timing belt on my Pathy... outside, at night and in the cold

Not something I want to do again

[Mr. Pickles]

I'll 3rd the in the dark sentiment. Most straight forward things suck enough in the dark, but with the awkward positions and lighting, you're not gonna be amused. Plus it will surely take longer.

[Casey.T]

87.... Mines a 91 and a 95...

 

Tools:) You will need a Harmonic Balancer Puller, 3 or 4 bolts that will fit the threads on the HB and they need to be about 3" to 4" long....

 

The Chiltions and the Haynes Guides I have are pretty close to accurate other than the timing mark on the oil pump housing(its not there).

 

If you dont have a book get one... there may be a pdf on here...

 

Time wise depending on your Mech ability... could be 2 to 6 hours... took me 45 min to pull the Radiator, fan and all the belts... down to just the timing cover... top came off easy.... Lower section not so easy when you dont have the right tool(HBPuller)

 

The book covers the basics... I would suggest getting 1 or 2 and reading through them before starting.....

 

My Mechanical Backround is... USAF Tactical Aircraft Maintence.

[k9sar]

The state inspection on my pathy is due in march. Anything that needs to be fixed to make it pass gets done in whatever weather march has to offer (and it usually sucks)

[Precise1]

am hoping to install when i get off in a couple of hours

LMAO You don't have a manual or have read it... Unless you are handy, done it before, have all the right tools and a good place to work... I wouldn't try it in that time frame. It's not like it's an impossible job, just not something you rush and you can run into lots of little problems. Everything above is good advice !! Trust the NPORA crew, they are trying to help.

 

B

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

Thank you guys for the advice i should be doing it tomorrow now instead. I diddnt mean i could do it in two hours i meant that i was getting off work in a couple of hours and i was going to start. Ive done timing belts on other cars like hondas and stuff but i know every car is different. I do appreciate the help and i will be back on either to tell you it went ok or to ask more questions...LOL

[k9sar]

if youdon't have a puller, you can remove the bolt and gently tap the edges in various places to try to loosen it or creep it off the key and crank shaft. Mine came off fairly easy with a shot of PB and some smacking.

[Casey.T]

I tried everything in my bag of tricks for about an hour before I started calling around for a puller..... then I got to take the bolts from the Fan mount down to the local Hardware store and rummage around for the right sized threads and then a second trip for a set that were longer

 

Once I got the balancer off the rest was cake... -bounce-

[RedPath88]

if youdon't have a puller, you can remove the bolt and gently tap the edges in various places to try to loosen it or creep it off the key and crank shaft. Mine came off fairly easy with a shot of PB and some smacking.

Yeah I just did that on the replacement engine. I had two pullers, one was destroyed while pulling the HB off of the original engine some time ago, when I found the damage to the crank.

The other? Well it will probably turn up anytime now... you know, because I don't need it anymore pssd

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

Well the big day is here tomorrow morning i will start my quest, i have no puller so i hope she is in a good mood. i have sunday off so if i dont get it done by 6 i will hitch a ride and follow up on sunday Stay tuned for more information....or questions. LOL

[Mr. Pickles]

You should be able to rent a puller from a parts shop for cheap if you're around anything approaching civilization.

[Mookie]

You should be able to rent a puller from a parts shop for cheap if you're around anything approaching civilization.

Defintely worth it. Makes the job much more easier and alot quicker to finish.

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

Well i started at 10 and finished at 1 was rather straight forward. no problem what so ever. The HB came off EASY diddnt have to use anything i just grabbed and pulled. I must say she is happy with me now shes got new pump, timing belt, and a full tank of gas, Next week i should be able to give her a lift and some new tires. Thank you guys once again for the help.

[RedPath88]

:cool2: Glad to hear it went easy for you.

[QuismO]

hmm...maybe when my t-belt is due, i'll try to replace it myself...you'll see me asking a ton of questions, but i think that it's time that i learn how to change a t-belt.

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

dont trip it is much easier than it sounds like i thought i was going to be doing it for ever and i ended up doing it in 3 hours. Also as to the issue with no timing marks of the oil pump i had the AC Delco belt that has lines on it so you start the cam on the line and then all the pulleys have to line up "so i cheated" But it is easrier than it looks like.

[RedPath88]

My original engine has a timing mark on the oil pump, but the new one does not.. well it does have a mark, but you cannot see it unless you get right down on top of it. Not something you could really do with the engine in the truck

[Mr. Pickles]

Glad to hear that all went well. If things go well, sure, its pretty straight forward. But there are the variables- use of truck, care, rust, neglect, etc. etc.- that can rear up and bit you on any repair. I have a feeling that was what most of the comments, warnings, etc. were taking into account, particularly my comments. Good job regardles. By the way, no pics? No write up? :contract:

[RedPath88]

...there are the variables- use of truck, care, rust, neglect, etc. etc.- that can rear up and bit you on any repair. I have a feeling that was what most of the comments, warnings, etc. were taking into account...

Exactly Mr P.

 

Sometimes things go great, but sometimes everything is working against you... point is that you never really know how it's going to turn out. So plan for the worst.. well for the "less than perfect" at the least

[Guest ExcessCustomz]

True...As far as the pics i should be getting some here soon my digital camera was stolen so i have to use a reg camera and transfer to computer.