The Top DSM Community on the Web

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ads.

Please Support Rix Racing
Please Support STM Tuned

2G Support when replacing the timing belt

This site may earn a commission from merchant
affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

ChillinGST

10+ Year Contributor
157
3
Sep 13, 2008
Clearwater, Florida
Hey guys,

i picked up a new to me 95 awd with 70k and going through all the maintenance before getting to the fun stuff! This thing has not been too well taken care of so i'm going to assume the timing belt was never done and am leaving it parked it until it's done. This will be my first timing job, but i'm not too worried as this is not my dd and will be able to take my time with it.

The one question i have is, what are you guys using to support the engine during the install? I don't want to use a block on the oil pan as this one is fairly rust and i don't trust it. So, i'm thinking either a engine support bar, such as https://www.amazon.com/Dragway-Tools-Transverse-Transmission-Transaxle/dp/B004UC6NLE, or a traditional cherry picker which i know is overkill. However, after the timing job i don't think i'll get much use out of the support bar and think the picker will be more useful in the long run even though it is at least 3x the price. Thoughts?
 
I've always used the jack (with a block of wood) on the oil pan when doing timing belts. There are some things that are easier to get at when you can move the engine up & down a little. I have an engine support bar that I original got for doing clutch jobs but if you choose to go in this direct, I don't see why it would not work as well. I got my engine support bar at Harbor Freight. Looks just like the one in your link from Amazon but is was a little less expansive & would be even less with one of their coupons.
 
Agree with @Mello about supporting the oil pan with wood. Once you start this job, you will find that you will need to move the engine up and down multiple times to access fasteners and parts for timing service (removal and install). If you are that concerned with your oil pan, you may want to consider replacing it.

If you want another solution, the cherry picker/engine hoist you mentioned would be the way to go. It would support the engine from the top, but also allow for easy adjustment up and down. HF has decent pricing on them especially when paired with a 20% coupon. You will also want to get a load leveler if you go this route.
 
Thanks for the input. I've watched some vids and some people did mentioned having to move the engine up and down. so looks like an engine hoist will be the best option then. Thanks!
 
I agree with some earlier posts. If you're worried about your oil pan then it needs to be replaced. A block of wood and a jack are more than sufficient. A cherry picker would work fine but is not necessary
 
Is this just a 2G thing? When I do a timing job I remove the driver side motor mount which causes the engine to sag down a bit but I still have no problem replacing the belt and components and re-timing.
Hm although maybe I should be supporting it, just making the job that much easier haha it is a bit cramped.
 
if you're worried about the oil pan I agree replace it, but also maybe use a few thick pieces of cardboard to disperse some of the pressure of the block of wood and car jack. Also with the other engine support in place the full weight of the engine wont be on the jack and oil pan so you will probably be okay doing that.


If you do get an engine hoist and just remove the engine, pshh a little overkill but it will grant you full access to the engine making a timing job a cakewalk. Might as well check the head and everything else while you have the engine out too especially since it isn't your DD and you say it wasn't looked after very well.
 
Why not put the block on the oil pan rail, that way it is on the block not the pan. You could probably screw 3 2x4s together in a U pattern so that the edge pcs just touch the oil pan rail and are not directly in contact with the pan. I have to agree though that if it looks that bad, you should just replace it.
 
The pan is on the list of things to replace. Was planning on replacing it later on when i install new turbo back exhaust. I don't really know how bad it is, but it has some flaky surface rust and would just piss me off if it buckles while i'm already elbow deep into the t-belt job. I know the cherry picker is over kill, just figured i will need it eventually so why not get it now if it would help. Maybe i'll give the pan a few good hits with the hammer and she how she holds up :D It will prob be at least a week or two before i dive into it.
 
Hey guys,

i picked up a new to me 95 awd with 70k and going through all the maintenance before getting to the fun stuff! This thing has not been too well taken care of so i'm going to assume the timing belt was never done and am leaving it parked it until it's done. This will be my first timing job, but i'm not too worried as this is not my dd and will be able to take my time with it.

The one question i have is, what are you guys using to support the engine during the install? I don't want to use a block on the oil pan as this one is fairly rust and i don't trust it. So, i'm thinking either a engine support bar, such as https://www.amazon.com/Dragway-Tools-Transverse-Transmission-Transaxle/dp/B004UC6NLE, or a traditional cherry picker which i know is overkill. However, after the timing job i don't think i'll get much use out of the support bar and think the picker will be more useful in the long run even though it is at least 3x the price. Thoughts?
If putting a block of wood directly on the pan worries you (many successfully have). You can always put it right where the bellhousing mates to the engine and that’s a rock solid support point!
 
Just another suggestion, I felt really nervous about the oil pan too, I just used a chain hoist to the roof truss along with the jack and that was super secure and didn't dent my weak pan. The cherry picker would probably be in the way a bit for the under car stuff as the legs would poke under.
 
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community
Boosted Fabrication ECM Tuning ExtremePSI Fuel Injector Clinic Innovation Products Jacks Transmissions JNZ Tuning Kiggly Racing Morrison Fabrications MyMitsubishiStore.com RixRacing RockAuto RTM Racing STM Tuned

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds

Back
Top