Timing Belt

[537playing]

Just some notes on my experience of replacing the timing belt on a 2.9 non-turbo 6 cylinder 2001. 108,000 miles

Need air tools! Hand tools make this job too hard.

First I struggled with the 4 pulley bolts. Of course the last one I stripped and spent some extra time with that one. Finally it came off and then did the marking/aligning of the timing marks. No big deal.

Now for the 30mm crankshaft bolt. I was unable to move it. Created my own crankshaft holder, but still unable to loosen it. So while I was here, I removed the two bolts that were holding the plastic cover around the crankshaft. I remember someone had stated that by removing these that the timing belt could be removed. I couldn't get this done either. It must be a different engine.

So at this point I only could replace the pulley as well as the adjustable tensioner. The old pulley seemed to be worned but the tensioner looked good. As for the timing belt, that looked very good as well. I could see no excessive wear nor deterioration of the rubber.

Relace the two items then put the old belt back on. Then I had error code about advanced timing. Readjusted the one camshaft by a tooth and now she runs very well. No error codes.

For the crankshaft bolt I'll take it to my local shop just to loosen the bolt.

Overall, very tight space to get this done quickly. If the water pump needs replacing, I'm taking her to the shop!!

Thanks for all your previous posts. Very good information.

[vegasjetskier]

Relace the two items then put the old belt back on.

So did you get your timing belt replaced?

For the crankshaft bolt I'll take it to my local shop just to loosen the bolt.

I wouldn't recommend driving around with your crankshaft pulley bolt loose.


I read somewhere about someone who cut the old belt off with a knife, then threaded the new belt between the parts to get it into position. Do you think there would be enough room in there to do this?

[537playing]

I still haven't replaced the belt. I thought about trying to put the new belt on without removing the crankshaft. I tried every angle to remove the old one. Therefore I wouldn't attempt to put a new one on this way. There is no clearance to do this.
As for the reference of the loose crankshaft, I just wanted them to loosen it then tighten. Once the bolt is loosened the first time, it becomes easier to remove the next time.

On a side note, now I have an oil leak. What componets on the bottom have of car can cause this? Crankshaft seal? Oil pump Seal?

Thanks