Timing Belt Install Question

[90GSEclipse18]

I just now found out my timing belt has snapped and needs to be replaced, I also know that when replacing the timing belt all other belts should be replaced as well so I found a belt kit online for my 90 GS Eclipse NT for $185. Also how much does it cost to have the shop install these belts or better yet is it easy enuff to install my self?

 

[JessesTalon]

if ur getting rebuilt... 1000-1500...

if ur just getting belts on.... under 200

 

[lhhc]

shop wanted to charge me $550 for timing and balance belt change + $200 for all other belts, alt, ps, etc.

 

[WHite97RS]

Did it snap off while you were driving or the car was running? If so you may need to have the head rebuilt. My timing belt snapped off and i had to have 8 valves replaced, since i was cruizin down the interstate when it happened. So you may wanna pull the valve cover off and check the rockers to see if any are loose. If any are a valve is bent and needs to be replaced. I know you have the 4G63 but i figured the same thing would happen even though im running the 420A.

 

[90GSEclipse18]

Heres what happened that crazy night heh.... It was about 12:30am and me and two other friends were on our way to Ocean City NJ back in sept. I had just had my tranny rebuilt about 2 weeks ago before that and something messed up in it again cause it got stuck in 3rd gear. On the way down my friend had to piss and I pulled over then afterwards went to start the car and it would not start I tried a few more times then heard a loud pop or snapping sound when the car was trying to start. I believe that sound was most likely my timing belt so I was not moving when it snapped.

 

[Shadowfax]

okay here's what you do - do it yourself. I just got done doing this- my belt snapped at 20mph I lucked out without bent valves (checked it by filling the combustion chamber with the head off) - and it took me the better part of a day to pull the head, do the check and install new belts (oil leak on the belt took it out).

First off, you need to pull the old belt off, and re-use your old tensioner- think of it as practice - put the new belt on, timing it up - put tension on it- and see if it freely turns (don't try starting the motor- just see if with a 1/2" drive breaker you can turn the motor over with the new belt on.. if so, you might be lucky. I'd go one step further- and get a valve spring air tool- it threads into the spark plug hole, and fills the cylinder with air- turn the cams so the cyl you want to check has all the valves closed... then fill it with air- listen for leaking air. It's pretty obvious if there is bent valves...

if you got lucky- replace tensioner, belt, idlers - should take ya a day first time out.

If you aren't lucky and you did bend - then expect to spend a bunch.

If you are turbo and you like the car- get ARP head studs, MLS gasket, get the head rebuilt, cleaned up - then reinstall it and proceed.

if you don't like the car- buy a used head, and then throw it back together.

 

[lhhc]

Last time my car was in the shop, they told me theres an engine oil leak coming from somewhere behind the timing belt cover, leaking all over the t-belt and balance belt. Obviously I need to get those belts changed, and possibly the tensioner also. I would like to do it myself, cause I'm dont' want to drop $550+ to have a shop do it. but I have a few questions first.

1) Is the timing belt and cover easy to get to? easier from top or under the car?

2) If I find a seal leaking from behind the t-belt cover, what kind of seal would it be? Like, what is it sealing?

3) How do I know if the tensioner is bad?

4) If I just un-tension the belt and put the new one on, then tension it, I don't have to do any timing, do I?

5) Is there anything else I should be doing along with this procedure?


Thanks!

 

[Shadowfax]

First things first - www.vfaq.com

1) Is the timing belt and cover easy to get to? easier from top or under the car?

I don't have to jack the car up- nor have I ever used a jack for the motor. Course I have a 1st gen FWD Partly from the top, part from underneath- it's easy.

2) If I find a seal leaking from behind the t-belt cover, what kind of seal would it be? Like, what is it sealing?

Likely to be the valve cover gasket really. Mine was. Cam seals perhaps (doubtful), there isn't much else up HIGH, if it's down low where it's leakin- well, oil pump gasket...

3) How do I know if the tensioner is bad?

Umm... I'd just replace it. You can measure it for spec - but it's typically easier/better to replace it.

4) If I just un-tension the belt and put the new one on, then tension it, I don't have to do any timing, do I?

in untensioning the belt, and putting a new one on- you still need to check your timing- yes if everything is in time when you take it off, it should stay MOSTLY in time. Check it though- it takes like 5 minutes tops --

Make sure the crank gear back plate notch is at the mark, the cam gears have the roll pins UP and the notches straight across - line up the balance shaft and oil pump sprockets on their marks.

5) Is there anything else I should be doing along with this procedure?

clean things... when was your waterpump last changed? New accessory belts?

If you have to take off the head- ARP studs and an MLS.

 

[lhhc]

Let me put it this way. I bought the car 3 years ago, its a 95 gsx, I've never replaced anything on it engine wise....except mods, intake, IC pipes, mbc, throttle body, I think thats it.

but PS pump leaks, never replaced water pump. when I brought it into the shop they said there was engine oil leaking from down low onto the t-belt....so I'm going by their word of it being low.

tensioner - get a new one from dealership? or used one from parts car or what? sorry bout all the questions, I'm *kinda* a new to some parts of my engine.