Doing a head gasket, front cam seals, timing belt etc.

Post by **shaker_chi** » 29 Aug 2017, 10:10

I've done the timing belt job 3 times now without ever removing the crankshaft. I was in a bind once though and took my car to the dealer to get it done and I know they removed it. It's a bit of a PIA to get the belt around it, but to me definitely not worth the time and effort of taking it off. Just my 2 cents.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 29 Aug 2017, 12:04

We've changed the belt on my cousin's car twice and never removed the harmonic balancer. There is very little room to get the belt in there, but it's enough.

GavinH · Post by **GavinH** » 14 Sep 2017, 14:24

I just done my head on my 98 XCV70, if your gonna be tearing it down I would recommend replace the belt, tensioner, waterpump and serpentine belt, as it's all in the same area and it's easier to do while everything is out. As the other guys mentioned you can remove the belt with out removing the pulley,
Also I didn't use or have and special tools to do mine.
I bought a upper gasket kit or VRS gasket kit and some of the special instant gasket for aluminium,
It's an easy job just be methodical.
When I replaced my valve stems I had to use a sharp flat head screw driver to break the retaining rings on the seal and pull the remnants out with long nose pliers and of course clean everything the best you can

Post by **rspi** » 14 Sep 2017, 16:32

If you pull the head, I have no idea how you would be able to put the VVT back together without the cam holding tool. I was told that the cheap tools from eBay are good for 2 uses, after that they fall apart. No experience, just what I was told.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 14 Sep 2017, 16:34

My cousin and I have used his eBay tools at least 5 times now, and they are holding up great. They aren't the highest quality, but they're at least on par with most of my specialty tools I've gotten at Harbor Freight.

Kalepsis · Post by **Kalepsis** » 17 Sep 2017, 08:26

I am also going to be doing a major engine overhaul, replacing head gasket, water pump, tensioner, idler, timing belt, valve stem seals, cam seals, serpentine belt, rollers, etc.

I have almost all the parts, but I need an adapter to move the serpentine belt tensioner. Anyone know where I can get one?

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Sep 2017, 10:12

It's really not worth spending any real money on a serp belt tool in my opinion (see viewtopic.php?t=60913). But if you must, you can get one at any auto parts store.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 17 Sep 2017, 16:10

This is what I use...

1/2" to 3/4" drive adapter and a 19mm wrench. Works great on the OEM Volvo tensioner. But if you have a Meyle, this won't work unless you file down the sides of the square.

ems_kws · Post by **ems_kws** » 15 Jan 2018, 16:49

Well I finally finished the project. Using the true soap guide and this video I managed to have a running car at the end.

I removed head and had it machined. It was out .0011.
New timing belt
New PVC system
New vacuum hoses
New radiator and hoses
New water pump and idler
New thermostat
Oil and filter change
3 new injectors
New sparkplugs
Replaced every gasket I could get to with a new one
Put on the winter wheels and tires

Now I will tear down the oil sump at some point and redo its gaskets and seals. Ill probably wait until the next oil change though.

Post by **scot850** » 15 Jan 2018, 23:14

Excellent work that man!

Neil.

Doing a head gasket, front cam seals, timing belt etc.

Re: Doing a head gasket, front cam seals, timing belt etc.