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Timing belt and clutch replacement question.

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Andruxa86

Proven Member
41
12
Jul 30, 2019
Vineland, New_Jersey
Hi guys,

I apologize if this question is posted in a wrong thread. I want to replace a timing belt on my 420A and clutch at the same time.

Would it be easier to pull the engine out to do both? I looked at few vids and there is not too much room to replace timing belt..

Maybe few of you had done the same.

Thanks for any input.
 
You can pull only the engine and leave the trans in. I've replaced the timing belt with the engine in the car, but I had to pull the motor mounts out. You can also replace the clutch witht the engine still in the car, but again you have to pull the motor mounts and transmission mount. That being said, if you are doing both at the same time then pull the engine out. Unless for some reason you have something against doing that, then you can play see-saw with the engine and trans and get it done in twice the amount of time.
 
I would probably drop the trans and that would give you room to move the engine around to do the timing belt and such, unless you need to do seals and stuff while your there.
 
Thanks for input guys! I will look for threads to replace clutch and timing belt.

I do have hahn stage 2 turbo set up which will add little more work to pull the engine out.
 
If you have the equipment I would pull the motor for ease of access and the ability to thoroughly check the engine for leaks or any sort of damage.

However if you do not have the equipment and are forced to replace the timing belt with the motor in the engine bay I can walk you through it. I found a very old buried post from an N/T Wiseman that helped me immensely.
 
It's in one of my old threads about help with headgasket replacement I believe. It's not a full write up it's a tip that helps you out when doing the timing belt job with the engine in the bay. It's for removing the back bolt to the motor mount bracket
 
Much appreciated!

I will get to start learning this before starting the job.

This brings me to next question, what brand of a timing belt to use? I seen a blue belt, believe it's called evergreen ?

Should I also replace tensioner and poolys? I saw Rockauto sells kits that include belt, tensioner and so on.
 
The blue belt is a gates brand timing belt. You're going to need a 150 tooth belt I believe. Evergreen is what I have because it came with the gasket set I bought for my MLS headgasket. If you're looking to put power into your car use a gates brand belt, they have kevlar reinforced belts for the 4g63, dont know if that translates to the 420a belt. Continental makes good belts as well. If you're going to turbo your car I suggest pulling the head and getting it decked along with your block and instead of using TTY bolts go with ARP studs and running a MLS. I say this because if you're going to boost your car you want to make sure it stays together and you dont have issues with compression leaks or any kind of leak, seal it up the right way.

The tensioner should be replaced but I didnt replace mine, mine was working fine. When you compress the tensioner you need a vice big enough to compress it and go slowly over a 5 minute period. I checked the quality of mine but putting it between my jack and crossmember of my car and it held the weight (I was actually trying to compress it, it took the full weight of the car so that gets a check in my book LOL).

Research everything you can about this job because it's not easy if you dont know what your doing. The 420a and 4g63 are both interference engines, meaning if the timing is off the valves can strike the pistons during operation.
 
The blue belt is your best bet, as it is a performance part. And you should also replace the tensioner pulley too.

While your in there, check to see of your cam seals are leaking and if your crank seal is leaking.

By the way, all of the parts needed to do this job can be found on RockAuto.

GATES T246RB <---- that is the blue belt you are looking for

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...0l+l4,1316573,engine,timing+belt+pulley,10463

Choose from those pulleys. ^
 
I already have turbo installed, but looks like it was done at least 10 years ago.. I am pretty sure timing belt was replaced that time too, but I would guess it be a good idea to have it replaced due to age.. the car only has 87k on it.

The car runs really good and no oil leaks that I can see. Honestly I dont want to go in and replace the belt, but I know it's a good thing to do especially bc of the age and a fact that I want to keep this car and enjoy it for a while
 

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I already have turbo installed, but looks like it was done at least 10 years ago.. I am pretty sure timing belt was replaced that time too, but I would guess it be a good idea to have it replaced due to age.. the car only has 87k on it.

The car runs really good and no oil leaks that I can see. Honestly I dont want to go in and replace the belt, but I know it's a good thing to do especially bc of the age and a fact that I want to keep this car and enjoy it for a while
She looks pretty clean to me! Nice ride man. :)

Just let us know if you have any specific questions, I'm sure we can get everything cleared up for you.
 
Also 10 years without a new belt is way too long. Rule of thumb if you dont know how long its been, replace the belt! 100 dollar belt vs a new engine, sometimes it's better safe than sorry. Also quality check every rubber hose to make sure they are sound. If the car was stored well you shouldn't have to worry too much but again, better safe than sorry.
 
Let us know if you need more help or if you get to a part where you're stuck. If you cant figure it out just stop and ask for help instead of potentially breaking something that you cant easily replace! I've made that mistake a few times myself
 
I definitely will. Thanks alot! I am planning to start wrenching next week. Will order parts over the weekend.

Will post you guys in my progress if interested. With pics ofcourse.
 
To continue the topic, what clutch brand would you recommend?

The car came with puck clutch so it shakes the engine when engaged in 1st gear and the pressure plate is super stiff that there is no pleasure to use. I think the current clutch is overkill for only 200+ hp.. I peaked in to find out the brand, but couldn't see any markings. But the pressure plate is painted red..

With that said, I want something with a stuck clutch pedal feel and at the same time to be grippy enough for my set up.. I used to have excedy stage 1 on my wrx and it preformed well. However it doesn't look like they offer it for 420a... that's from my research.

So what are you guys running? Suggestions?

Thanks! Enjoy your weekend!
 
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