Broken Timing Belt Cover, A Thank You

Journeyman · Post by **Journeyman** » 26 Sep 2009, 16:47

1998 V70 GLT, black on charcoal, 135k

Well, I finally started to delve into my timing belt today (which took a lot of muster fueled by French Roast coffee), only to discover that some "mechanic" had been in there before me. Evidence of his butchering was plentiful. I first noticed that the four bolts holding the crankshaft pulley had chewed up heads. The boots for the steering rack are twisted around the tie rod ends. One of the holes for the spark plug cover was so shot that it was really more of an oval at this point. But the real kicker was this:

: timimgbelt1small.jpeg (49.8 KiB) Viewed 2578 times

: timingbelt2small.jpeg (40.64 KiB) Viewed 2578 times

After spending considerable time cleaning out the garage so that I could get the car in due to impending rain, assembling all the parts, and getting my ass in gear, the rear upper timing belt cover was broken!!!!! Notice the paint marks that were put on the cam pulleys. I am not sure what they are supposed to line up with. The cover is not very expensive, but come on!

Regardless, I am going to have to put this project off for a few weeks. Hopefully it isn't too cold by then. Just wanted to share my frustration with those who know how it can go sometimes.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 26 Sep 2009, 16:55

That sucks. I guess a Dremel tool should come with a warning sticker - Not to be used by idiots.

I see a junk yard in your future.

...Lee

Post by **Zimbo** » 26 Sep 2009, 17:29

I absolutely feel your pain. The exact same thing happened to me and I had no luck with finding one in my local junk yard, ended up ordering one from a dealer.

My previous owner's handiwork:

Post by **tjts1** » 26 Sep 2009, 17:43

I see the damage to the timing cover but I don't think it needs to be replaced. You already have it lined up. See the white paint marks on the sprockets? Take some whiteout and run a line across timing belt where the white paint marks are and continue it to the sprocket. Run another while line across the cranshaft pulley and belt. Remove the belt (you don't need to remove the vibration damper), count the number number of teeth between the 3 white marks and transfer the marks onto your new T bet. Reinstall the new belt. The whiteout makes the whole process much easier. With the new belt and tensioner in place, turn the engine through 2 full crank rotations (720 degrees). If it turns you're good to crank it. Don't worry about the paint marks lining up again. They won't.

Journeyman · Post by **Journeyman** » 26 Sep 2009, 18:45

Ambitious indeed. That is a good idea, but I suppose I have to admit a certain lack of adventure in this job. I need this car to drive to work Monday at 7 AM. A new cover is under $20 new, and I could possibly get a used one sometime this week from my mechanic for less. I think I would feel better with it there as a backup to my work, but thanks for the suggestion and the commiserations.