Timing belt components

[sc2_ct]

Car is a 93 TSi, and to the best of my knowledge it is a 6-bolt motor, but that's going on memory of the oil pan shape and it's raining so I can't go check it now unless someone knows a different way to tell without crawling around on the ground.

Well, I'm going to be trying my hand at replacing my timing belt sometime soon, and I wanted to get opinions on parts selection and clear up a few questions before I start ordering things. It seems that everyone recommends OEM Mitsubishi timing belts and balance shaft belts, but I was wondering what people thought about brands for the pullies/bearings/tensioner components? This car is just going to be a daily driver and recieve few if any modifications.

I see lots of sites with full timing belt sets for these cars, but with most of them it isn't very clear what manufacturer the parts are from. If anyone has ordered a good kit with all OEM parts, I would certainly appreciate a link if you have it handy.

I am planning on doing the entire service including the water pump and I'll probably swap out the power steering pump as well due to slight leakage.

Several additional questions that I have are:

-- During the crank sprocket re-installation process the vfaq suggests making a tool to hold the crank sprocket while torqing the bolt -- does anyone know what the factory service manual suggests? If I need to rent a well-calibrated air tool with accurate torque settings to do it right I will, but if this homemade tool is a better method, I'll make one (unless there are any shops out there that have started making these????)

-- Is there a test that can be performed to check the condition of the timing belt tensioner? If I could avoid having to loosen the tensioner pulley it would be nice to save some time (providing that the tensioner is in good shape).

-- Are there any areas in the vfaq that are wrong or not clear when you're actually doing the work?

Sorry for all the silly questions, I just like to have my information clear before I start on a major project (I've replaced lots of timing chains, but I've never done a timing belt and I hear that on these cars it can be a nightmare if you're not prepared).

 

[Gigaah]

I got my kit from slowboy racing online all OEM for the timing components. I think I didn't get an OEM water pump. At the time I skipped the BS belt and associated items with no ill effect leaving it off without a BS removal job.

The tensioner in my car was bad(good thing I got to it in time). You can check it by pressing the plunger down. I could actually push it down slightly with just my thumb but I've read if you can get the plunger to travel but pushing it down on the ground by hand with average force its shot as well.

Do you have a tool made for the tensioner? If you PM me your address and are willing to paypal me $1(cover shipping) I'll send you one. I have a few left over I made up out of a metal rod.

Gigaah.