Timing belt, easy enough fix? Couple of questions

[SupraOfDoom]

I've yet to work on a DSM but I've done timing belts in other cars. My question is how long of a project should this be? I'm handy so that's not an issue, but I'm curious if the DSM's have any major obsticals.

I also assume these cars are interference engines.... the Talon I'm looking at has the belt smacking the cover but still drivable.. should I be worried?
Thanks.

 

[92AWDHX40]

A few hours it depends, smacking i would park the car until thats fixed.

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

It's not horrible but not something that is easy by any means. The DSM is kind of a pain with the marks and they are not forgiving at all. It can take several attempts to get all of the marks lines up and it really helps to have an extra hand and set of eyes.

 

[SupraOfDoom]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I plan on having my best friend being there to help ( Ex-BMW mechanic so no worries ).

Also, since you guys are far more familiar with your own vendors, where is a good place to get a good deal on stockish brakes. No more questions .

 

[DSM1G90]

I'm with Supra up there: I've done many SOHC and DOHC motors, but the 4G63 belt change was the most complicated since this was the first motor that I've encounted with that auto tensioner device.

Thus, what used to take a half hour to do belts, took me half an afternoon to get that autoadjuster in the right specs of clearance before I could reassemble.

But, it was worth it - motor runs like a dream. Just recommend changing these belts out on a 40k cycle instead of the factory recommended 60k due to all the rollers that this belt has to travel over.

And with all this flexing that it has to do, I can see belt failure sooner than what the factory recommends.

-DSM

 

[olmytsi]

Do not drive it, if shit snaps, you are bending valves. Interference motors indeed...

VFAQ Site - Visual Frequently Answered Questions (click on dsm mod site) has EVERYTHING you need to know about anything including timing belt job walkthrough. Also our cars have balance shafts and it's a good idea to replace that belt because if it goes bad, it will take out the timing belt and all that work is gone to waist in a few seconds.

A person that knows these cars can switch a timing belt (just remove belt, put new one on, nothing less) in an hour.

You taking your time with a friend and doing it the first time, probably 2-3 hours.


Parts list for tbelt:

Belt
tensioner
balance shaft belt (if you want piece of mind)
Idler and tensioner pullies on the tbelt (if you want piece of mind)
Water pump (might as well now that evrything is out)



Am i forgetting something guys?

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I plan on having my best friend being there to help ( Ex-BMW mechanic so no worries ).

Also, since you guys are far more familiar with your own vendors, where is a good place to get a good deal on stockish brakes. No more questions .

well since I am a vendor i can say I highly recommend myself. let me know what you'd like and i'd appreciate and opportunity at your business.

 

[SupraOfDoom]

I wouldn't drive the car except to get it to my garage ( It's very close ). I'm not even 100% sure this is the one I'll be buying since it's already rather cold out and it needs brakes and the timing belt done. I might wait and pass it over but it depends on what else comes up.

I do work at Chrysler so I'd assume I get Eagle parts from them correct?

 

[92ts1]

Eagle or Plymouth parts... They are all the same..

 

[LongJonSilver]

the timing belt was alright not too hard....how much are you getting the car for?

 

[doesitonall4rs]

I've seen way to many motors go on friends cars, to neglected timing belts/timing belt components , so i would not chance driving the car, in the end it will cost you a lot more money and a lot more time! good luck and get this thing fixed ASAP before driving!

 

[JusMX141]

The proper tools make the job alot easier. What used to take me an afternoon to do now takes me about an hour and a half, as long as the cam seals aren't leaking.

 

[aaronspeed]

Easy job compared to others I have done. First time took 2 hours and just did one for someone and took a hour. It is easy to get to the cam cover bolts and the motor will stay in place when removing the driver motor mount. It is really a easy car to work on since I have not found anything that has bolts you can't get at.

 

[SupraOfDoom]

the timing belt was alright not too hard....how much are you getting the car for?

It's 92 TSI AWD w/ a new turbo, rad, head.... auto. Not sure about the mileage but the body is in great shape. It's been sitting for around 5 years. He wants $1500 for it as is w/ the timing belt hitting the cover or something, and the brakes needing to be replaced from rusting while sitting.

I might just keep searching and saving for a better one that's all ready to go since I'm not a fan of futzing around in the cold.

I really appreciate all the input though guys, thanks.

 

[BoredDSM]

You will need a tensioner tool to do the timing belt. Or at least you should have one. Its 10 bucks from jay racing I believe. A timing belt is just tedious because u gotta work on the side of the car where its really cramped.