Timing Belt Advice

[niles]

I am replacing my timing belt and tensioner this weekend. I'm not a noob, but I have not replaced a timing belt before. Aside from the standard procedure, does anybody have advice or tips to make it go smoothly?

Dumb question: is the crank pulley bolt standard thread or reverse thread? I know it will be on really tight and I dont want to turn it the wrong way.

[zenapup]

Standard thread left to loosen

[Jafir]

My advice is replace the oil pump seal, cam seal and crank seal while you are in there.

[niles]

My advice is replace the oil pump seal, cam seal and crank seal while you are in there.

I will make sure I have the seals before tearing down.

Standard thread left to loosen

Thanks! I couldn't find that info anywhere.

[Dr_Snooz]

What Jafir said. Replacing the timing belt isn't especially complicated, but it is a lot of work. You want to replace every wear item under the timing belt cover while you have it open. Replace belt and tensioner, cam seal, crank seal and oil pump seals (there are two). Also consider replacing the water pump. You don't have to remove the timing belt to get the water pump out, but it's easier with it off. Also check all your fan belts while you have them off.

The only trick is to line up both the crank and cam to TDC before putting on the new belt. Then CHECK after installing the new belt to make sure they didn't shift while you were installing the belt. Definitely make sure of that before putting everything back together and finding that you can't set time properly and having to pull it all apart again.

[niles]

Thanks for all the great advice!

When I am performing the timing belt tesnison adjustment procedure, how tight should the belt feel?

Do I need to drain the oil to replace the crank seal?

[Dr_Snooz]

The belt should be a struggle to install. The tensioner adjusts the belt though, not you.

[HLW]

Thanks for all the great advice!

When I am performing the timing belt tesnison adjustment procedure, how tight should the belt feel?

Do I need to drain the oil to replace the crank seal?

There is a procedure in the manual. In the 86-89 Master manual it is on page 6-17 on the 89 USDM it is on page 6-20. Basically after you install the timing belt, leave the adjuster bolt loose, rotate the crank counter-clockwise 3 teeth to put tension on the belt and then tighten the adjusting bolt. The spring pulling the adjusting pulley will keep the proper tension if it is in good condition. That is why a new spring and pulley are included in some timing belt kits.

When you replace the crank seal, you do not need to drain the oil but if it is close to time to change the oil anyway, it is a good time to do so. Be careful when removing the old crank seal not to scratch the crank or where the seal contacts the block. If you scratch it the seal will never seal right.

[niles]

So I changed my timing belt yesterday and it went great! Thanks again, I've got another skill to add to my list

[Hazwan]

I did mine recently and it was a good learning experience too (Y)

[niles]

If it weren't for all the info available on 3geez my car probably would've been at the scrap yard years ago lol

[Dr_Snooz]

Glad to hear it went well.

[MessyHonda]

yup I love this site. I feel the same way if it was not for this site my car would of been in the junkyard long time ago.