Looking to save a few quid after overspending at Christmas.
My 156 JTS is due a new timing belt shortly so I've been considering doing it myself (gulp!).
I would say my mechanical skills are basic/moderate (I've changed stats, cleaned the EGR valve on my wifes car, basic servicing etc), but I'm methodical and follow instructions fairly well.
I've listed the parts I think I need:
1) Timing belt kit (including tensioners etc)
2) Water pump (preferably a metal impeller type)
3) Cam locks
4) Fresh coolant
Is there anything I'm missing on the parts list?
How hard a job is it to carry out yourself and are there any good online guides available that I can read (preferably with clear pictures) before I decide if I can tackle this job myself or is it best left in the hands of my local indi garage?
hi
once the aux fly wheel is of turn to marks lock the cams, check belt tension press down by hand to gauge the tension, undo the tensioner slip belt.
make sure the cams lock and on mark at cranck and all should be fine the tensioner should be pushed to the mark and tight and afterward check the tension of the belt (should be the same as before u removed it)
just check everything again and if u are not sure there are plenty of youtube showing u how to change a belt will
only take u a couple of min and u should have a lot more confidence to do the job. remember check everything twice and enjoy it is a lot of fun
It seems the only guides I can find are for TS engines.
Is it that much difference between the TS and JTS, or could I use the guide for changing the TS belt from alfaworkshop?
I believe the JTS engine is supplied by GM and does not share anythin with the Twin Sparks. So I am gonig to stick my neck out and say they will be different to change and the guides won't be the same.
Maybe search for other derived GM group cars that use the same engine and ask there.
Aye i recently read up the 2.0 is based on the TS 2.0 but with a JTS head and direct injection etc.
Where as the 1.9 and 2.2 are complete GM based variants.
I have a 2.0ts and I thought about changing cambelt etc myself.Theres lots of guides/how to. on this forum and elsewhere.But after buying cam locks etc.I probably would save £100 if that.Plus it would take me hours and hours to change.The thing that stopped me doing it myself was, if you get it wrong!!!!!!!!!! Bang goes your engine.I would take it to a specialist who knows what there doing.
It's really not that difficult and so long as you have the cam locks that's half the battle.
I did it myself and it's pretty straight forward. Take your time spin the motor round a few times and jobs a good one.
I did it myself and have both sets of cam locks because I intend on keeping the car and changing the belt early to avoid it being an issue in the future. With a bit of luck that is.
If you only intend to do one change then it's worth paying someone. As its only about £100 more for labour.
Thanks for the advice guys.
I'm going to read through some of the guides and familiarise myself with the process but will probably book it in to a specialist just be be sure the job is done correctly.
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