[Streamz]

I have received all the parts to do my first timing belt change. Any advice about things I might come across?

The waterpump came with a paper gasket?? it kind seems wrong using paper as a seal for water. Does it need gasket cement? Also the new tensioners have no springs. Do I use the original springs?

This is what I got from reading the haynes manual.

Remove fan from radiator
remove radiator
take pully covers off
align mark on flywheel to timing mark by pushing car in 5th gear
remove cam covers
loosen tensioners off and take belts off
take waterpump pully off
remove water pump
install new waterpump
align cam timing marks to marks on cam housing
slip belts on making sure marks stay lined up
put on new tensioner and tighten up
waterpump pully back on

all input much appreciated.

 

[sprint_veloce]

Water pump gasket is paper - many engine gaskets are.

You re-use the springs - they are only used to set the tension then just sit there the rest of the time. I generally don't replace the tensioners unless there's a rough/noisy bearing.

This is a real easy job (20 mins if the engine is out of the car, bit longer when in a car due to radiator, etc) but the waterpump can be a pain to get out of the block. I never replace the pump unless it's failed.

 

[Streamz]

waterpump is definitely shot. It is making a loud noise and sprays muddy water all over the place.

I will be doing the work with engine in the car.

 

[Fluffyduff]

You don't need to remove the fan from the radiator before taking the rad out. In relation to the water pump, be prepared to break it out of the block.

You should be able to get a large socket on the front pully to turn the engine to the timing marks, its much easier than pushing it in gear. My only other advice would be to check and double check the timing marks. Once you are finished, turn the engine over by hand to make sure everything is ok.

Good luck!

 

[Streamz]

Thanks for the advice on turning the engine via the front pully. Should make things alot easier as I will be able to watch for the timing mark

I suspect my waterpump will take alot of effort to get out. Im good at breaking things so I should be able to "break it out" hopefully..

 

[BigAl33]

You can also use a screwdriver in the hole to see TDC and rotate the engine via the teeth on the flywheel.
If you take your time with the water pump you can get it out in one piece, use a hammer and a block of wood to tap it from different angles to loosen it.

 

[brit01]

Also be aware the right cam pulley will spring round clockwise about 25 degrees or so when you take of the belt due to the valve springs pushing on the lobes.

Let is settle there.

When you slip the new right side belt on you'll need to use a wrench and hold that pulley back in place at TDC (try to jam the wrench/spanner up with something), then slip on the belt.

 

[Greek]

Also it is a good opportunity to use water hose to clean your radiator since it will be removed.

 

[Streamz]

thanks guys. Its information like this that saves a lot of wasted time and headaches doing the work.

 

[brit01]

Last night I fitted by belts and tensioners in less than 20 mins, turned it by hand 3 times just to make sure timing was fine after and all sorted!:thumbs:

 

[Luke Skywalker]

Why dont cars have chain belts, it's insane to just have that bit of rubber.

 

[brit01]

It's no ordinary piece of rubber
High tensile stuff.

Chains are heavy and noisy I guess (and expensive).

 

[Guest]

It's no ordinary piece of rubber
High tensile stuff.

Chains are heavy and noisy I guess (and expensive).

and very expensive to replace

 

[brit01]

yep.

my Contitech belts cost just 7 USD each and delivered to my door without cost.

For that price you could change them with every oil change!!

 

[Streamz]

I did the timing belts change today. Everything went well except the water pump which was seized in and required a chisel and hammer to remove. It is running much smoother now and has more power. The timing was out by one tooth.

Only problem now is the fan doesnt come on when it gets hot. Maybe the thermostat is busted?

 

[BigAl33]

Well done
The fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch on the rad, check the connectors on this and the fan connectors.
Check fuses and check the resistance on the thermostatic switch when at running temp and check that the fan works with a direct connection to 12v

 

[Streamz]

Ok problem solved. It was dirty contacts on the fan connectors. All running smoothly now.