Thinking of replacing head gasket, etc...

[JLX 1993]

How much time should I look for to replace head gaskets, timing belt... do I need special tools? I've managed to work on alternator, change the water pump, and fuel pump. Is it sort of the same idea, or do I need special tools? I've read in past forums to replace timing belt in 16 valve.... but hesitant at same time, thinking I might do something wrong... and wreck engine.

[XL7Limited]

head gaskets are not a maintenance item. If they are bad you change them. You don't if they are not leaking..

[JLX 1993]

There's been little bit of oil leak around the ?head.... not much though... Going back to timing belt, would it be risky to replace just by taking off old belt and try to put back new belt just by making some sort of mark before removing old belt or by visually.... I had to replace water pump and removed timing belt, not knowing it has to be precise... but still ran good after.

[jtgh]

last week someone just discovered that the PO did ,just that.
he took an engine, with the belt slipped and put on a new belt.
then they spent a fortune (over 1k) before they discovered the really bad mistake.

The 16Valve engines.
if the belt gets off too far, the engine will self destruct.
"for the want of a nail the kingdom was lost (B.Franklin)"

never ever, put any 16v engine back together with out validation all timings.

the joke goes, pay me now, or pay me later (oh,bring a stack of C notes)

How ever, you can do it.
in many shops they do this all the time.
1: validate timing on old belt.
2: slide on new belt (nothing can move) paint marks all over creation.
3: check #1 or you are going, to be sorry.

Crazy way 1: ( childern do not do this at home,heheheheh)
one guy , even cuts the old belt top to bottom , with a very sharp box cutter.
I will not going to tell how, as it is very dangerous practice ( and profitable too)
he then slides off the old front have of old belt and leaves behind the old back half.
then he slides on the new belt (1/2 way) then it snips the old backhalf belt
and then smacks on the new belt with a rubber mallet. (blush at observers)

grin:
no i do not do that ,and I would never take my car to anyone who did.
but in the out back it has Merrit. (sp)

bTw, most shops do serpintine belts like that too. tricks of the trade and then charge you Flat RATE, ( bandito's they are).

[JLX 1993]

Is it hard to check timing? Do I need specific tools, timing light? Are they all universal?

[jtgh]

those are great quesions.
i just remembered you , way up in the North Pole !

minimum
dont change head gasket unless going on 3000 mile trip or it is bad. if your is good and its old , it must be very strong. While doing valve lash check , check the head torque , also.

tools, basic spanners metric and sockets. up to 19mm and a breaker bar and a torque wrench.
Feeler gauges <SOP

then a generic timing light ( if someone messed up your timing or you are pulling the dizzy you must have one) the inductive ones on sale are great.
Some cost as low as $11 in discount stores.

to time the crank and cam you need only, eyeballs.

The tactics last post are from Mega Pros, guys that can make extra cash by beating that flat rate manual. < interesting to me how some people operate.


i have a page and i can give you my fsm quote page in your PM mail here. look for it.

tbelt

Here is my no joke recommendation for your loc.
new water pump.
new hoses
new tbelt
new tbelt idler.
new idler spring.

that would be a great minimum on an old kick , in the far north.
Check engine lamp off?
MPG is good?
then all is well.
I bet you use lighter syn lubes why up there...?

[JLX 1993]

Thanks. Still waiting for my rebuilt alternator. Since I bought this Sidekick, I've replaced water pump, fuel pump, alternator belt... once alternator gets in, I will change engine oil, thermostat, and drivers side headlamp. I miss my Sidekick!!!