Timing belt tips

[syfir]

Doing the timing belt, water pump, alt belt and replacing timing covers(the upper timing cover is cracked and is rubbing on the alt belt) this weekend. First time doing timing belt on an automatic. I've read through several posts and I think I'm going to try the strap wrench method for removing the crank pulley. I don't have access to air tools. Wanted to know if anyone had any tips. Also, is it recomended that I change the tensioner or any pulleys when doing the belts?

[ejp2fast]

if its an automatic... then i'd remove the lower separation plate (between the engine block and transmission housing) that exposes the driveplate (flywheel) teeth... thats only like 4 bolts total, 2 10mm's and 2 14mm's. You may have to wiggle it out. then you can jam the handle end of a plastic screw driver in and the crank bolt will stay stationary.
this is a fairly easy job really, with the proper tools... one thing also that i'd recommend, if you have a 2-3 ton jack, is lower the engine a tad to get that crank bolt beast off. Remove the upper passenger side mount (the long bolt, and 3 17mm's) , and leave the other lower 2 mounts... Then lower your engine, and it'll pivot down a hair. this will help if you really have to honk on that crank bolt, gives you more clearance from the firewall.
in my opinion, this option would be better if you don't have access to air tools... try to get it loose without lowering the engine, and if you can't get it you can lower it.

[mattswabb]

Strap wrench will not hold the pulley. Hold the flywheel as stated above.

1st I'd try putting the breaker bar on and try that way. Hit the bar with a hammer and see if that works. Or buy one of these:



manual impact driver. Just hit the end with a hammer and it impacts it off.

[syfir]

Having trouble locating the timing cover. I think I read that the cover for a Mazda b engine will fit? Anyone know this?

[jglutz]

Strap wrench will not hold the pulley. Hold the flywheel as stated above.

1st I'd try putting the breaker bar on and try that way. Hit the bar with a hammer and see if that works. Or buy one of these:



manual impact driver. Just hit the end with a hammer and it impacts it off.

I got mine off with a stap wrench.

I must be on the Mcmaster site 5 times a day....MSC is much better for tools.

[jglutz]

Strap wrench will not hold the pulley. Hold the flywheel as stated above.

1st I'd try putting the breaker bar on and try that way. Hit the bar with a hammer and see if that works. Or buy one of these:



manual impact driver. Just hit the end with a hammer and it impacts it off.

I got mine off with a strap wrench.

Nice pict...I must be on the McMaster web site 5x a day.

[jglutz]

A liitle trick for changing a timing belt.

Just prior to pulling the belt off...spin the engine to TDC.
Using a paint marker or the like...put a mark on the belt and continue right off the belt onto the sprocket.
Do this for both the cam and crank sprocket.
It's better to put two marks on the cam sprocket at the 12 and 3 o'clock positions.
Pull the belt.
Transfer the marks from the old belt to the new belt...be exact.
Put the new belt on with the marks alligned.
Job Complete!

If you change the bearing....be careful...their is a torque spec that can be a problem. My factory bolt had a thread locker on it that yeilded a false torque reading. Allow the spring to slide the bearing onto the belt and insure that the center hub of the bearing is tight to the block (actually the oil pump).

[elcamino1]

If you have a tool rental shop in your town,go rent yourself a 1/2" drive electric impact,or go to your local pawn shop and buy one for cheap,then either keep it or return for a refund!

I own one and it does the job,I also have a cordless 1/2" drive Impact!!

[elcamino1]

Or buy one of these:



manual impact driver. Just hit the end with a hammer and it impacts it off.

I also have one of these hand held impact drivers,back in the 60's and 70's it was the only way you were going to remove the philips head screws on all of your jap motorcycles!

Mine came in a small tin box with about 8 different size straight and philips bits!

[ruppenduro]

go to one of those truck tool sales and buy a no-name 1/2 in elec impact, you will love it. i've had mine for 3 years and it has saved me alot of headaches. well worth the 30 bucks it costs.