Timing Belt Danger Poll

[dbritt]

How dangerous would it be for someone to change their 92 Talon AWD timing belt by themselves if they've never done it before?

 

[98TsiAWD]

Not dangerous if you take your time and do it right.
It is quite a pita tho..

 

[Sotarts]

I don't think it's dangerous at all, if you take extra long time, mark EVERYTHING that moves, get a torque wrench, get 3 maybe 4 "how-to" instruction guides (vfaq.com or elsewhere and compare all for consistency).
Finally, buy the mitsu manual or hayness manual. (Will pay off in a long run.)
More or less items needed accordingly to the level of your mechanical background. (Use common sense)

P.S.: Some people have complained about screwing up and being one or two cam teeth off, make sure you mark everything, and not sloppy!

 

[jim97gst]

I just did mine last weekend by myself. I had done one other car before, but it wasn't a DSM. I wouldn't be worried about ruining the engine. The worry is that if you are a few teeth off, it doesn't run quite right, and you have to take the whole damn thing apart again. After you've got it on, rotate the engine slowly by hand a few times. You will know if you got it on so poorly that pistons are hitting valves. Give yourself PLENTY of time. Have a backup ride arranged so you don't get in a situation where you feel you have to hurry. I say go for it. Good luck.

 

[leet]

Mechanically its not that hard, its just a PITA to get to it .

Be very careful to line everything up correctly , as it is VERY easy to get 1 tooth off (I know, I've had personal experience w/ this ).