Timing belt experiences

[TheZuke!]

It took me two days to change the timing belt on my 1994 1.6L 16v
w/AC, 5spd PS

I bought a kit on Ebay last summer and finally got up the gumption
to do it.

In retrospect, maybe next time I'll have the freon pumped out
of the AC before starting. Working around the AC tubing and
condenser probably tripled the time needed to do the work.

In addition to the AC also drain the coolant so you can pull the
radiator and grill. This should give you a decent (frontal) view of the
crankshaft pulley as well as the mounting bolts for the AC, and Alternator.

Without the cam lock tool, I didn't replace the crankshaft or camshaft
seals.

The AC & PS belt AutoZone sold me was too small, I ended up putting
the original back in. (the original was 950mm, they sold me a 925mm)

The Prestone water pump from the Ebay seller did not have the studs for
mounting the fan and pulley- I had to walk a couple miles to get 6mm bolts
from the local hardware store. The bolts were harder to install too!

The timing belt was from China and did not have any direction arrows.

It helped to remove the vapor canister to get access to the upper
alternator bolt. I have NO IDEA how to loosen the lower rear alternator
bolt, maybe pull the engine! I used a crowbar to rotate the alternator
housing to loosen and re-tighten its belt.

After all this, it'll be a month or two before I feel like adjusting the
valve lash...

[paul kellam]

God it sounded like a bitch!! glad you are back on the road i have had to walk too and nobody will stop to give you a lift anymore...

[jtgh]

i remember that alt bolt, i think only a spanner fits up there.
i have 3 cars like that.
and A/C is always a pain. id not like that.

that pump trick is bs ,no pump should be without the studs.
in fact that is a non OE pump.

that is why they sell em discount.


he , id pick you up. even buy you a beer too.

cheers.

[paul kellam]

thanks Jerry but i have been sober for 19 years i wouldn't want to spoil that

[jtgh]

ok Gatoraid.