Should I tackle DIY timing belt. Just replaced the starter.
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Should I tackle DIY timing belt. Just replaced the starter.
I have always been concerned with doing a timing belt on my cars. I usually take them in to get it done. I just finished replacing my starter and it wasnt all that bad to do, just alot of connections to take apart. The timing belt kits are not bad, at most $200+-. Should I do this DIY?
I have pulled engines (other cars, not my Lexus), installed turbos and installed fuel managment systems. Just for some reason I am a little concerned about this DIY.
Thoughts?
I have pulled engines (other cars, not my Lexus), installed turbos and installed fuel managment systems. Just for some reason I am a little concerned about this DIY.
Thoughts?
#2
Instructor
iTrader: (4)
I have always been concerned with doing a timing belt on my cars. I usually take them in to get it done. I just finished replacing my starter and it wasnt all that bad to do, just alot of connections to take apart. The timing belt kits are not bad, at most $200+-. Should I do this DIY?
I have pulled engines (other cars, not my Lexus), installed turbos and installed fuel managment systems. Just for some reason I am a little concerned about this DIY.
Thoughts?
I have pulled engines (other cars, not my Lexus), installed turbos and installed fuel managment systems. Just for some reason I am a little concerned about this DIY.
Thoughts?
#5
Theres Nothing to be concerned about... If you mess up all that would happen is your not easily rebuildable engine would need to be replaced and you would be out almost triple what u would have paid at a shop.
Just get it done at a shop and let them worry about the problem if they mess up. I tackle all problems myself but i would not mess with a timing belt.
Just get it done at a shop and let them worry about the problem if they mess up. I tackle all problems myself but i would not mess with a timing belt.
#6
Lead Lap
iTrader: (22)
I've done the timing belt. It's not that difficult. More intimidating than anything.
Here's my advice. Since you will most likely be replacing camshaft seals and the crankshaft seal. Make sure you keep the timing belt on while loosening up the crankshaft/camshaft bolts. That way it will be much more difficult to spin the cams or crank independently. Loosen the bolts, then remove the timing belt. Everything will stay lined up and you will be fine. Also, manually turn the crank a couple times once the belt is back on to make sure that nothing is hitting internally. If it spins fine, you should be in the clear.
Get it done once, and you will never be afraid of it again.
Here's my advice. Since you will most likely be replacing camshaft seals and the crankshaft seal. Make sure you keep the timing belt on while loosening up the crankshaft/camshaft bolts. That way it will be much more difficult to spin the cams or crank independently. Loosen the bolts, then remove the timing belt. Everything will stay lined up and you will be fine. Also, manually turn the crank a couple times once the belt is back on to make sure that nothing is hitting internally. If it spins fine, you should be in the clear.
Get it done once, and you will never be afraid of it again.
#7
If you have the space, tools, and time...
Do it! But read up! Timing belts always suck up a full day for me. I have done a few, the worst being a v6 probe back in 1998. i was leaning on the knowledge I gained from my chevette timing belt job and it wasn't enough. Id say get all the seals you can and do everything all at once. Good luck!
Trending Topics
#8
Changing a belt isn't difficult but depending on the car the job can be made tediously long because of the need to remove and/or relocate all of the things that are in the way.
Be sure to clean off all (ALL!) gaskets and sealing materials before installing the new ones or it's almost guaranteed to leak. It really sucks to have gone through all that's needed to do the job only to see oil or coolant dripping out after the first few minutes of running. You have to either accept the leak or go back and do the job over again.
Be sure to clean off all (ALL!) gaskets and sealing materials before installing the new ones or it's almost guaranteed to leak. It really sucks to have gone through all that's needed to do the job only to see oil or coolant dripping out after the first few minutes of running. You have to either accept the leak or go back and do the job over again.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Banshee365
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
57
08-21-23 10:20 PM
Neil4Speed
Performance & Maintenance
2
11-03-11 01:37 PM