Timing belt replacment help.

[ztotheigg]

OK. So it is now time I get to doing the timing and balance shaft belt replacment on my 99 gsx. So. I have never done a timing belt before, and i want to do this myself. I am mechanically inclined. I just need to know if this job is possible with the engine in the car, And kind of a general idea of what ill be getting myself into. Also i will be changing out the head gasket during this time. Any help or pointers are greatly appreciated.

 

[dsmpat95]

You can do it in the car. Take your time.

 

[ztotheigg]

Well that's what i like to hear. HAHA. I have the book and i have another guy that is going to help me. he has done timing belts/chains on a wide variety of vehicles, so i wont completely be in the dark. But that is good to hear i can do it in the car. Thanks for the reply!

 

[unplugme71]

Its not hard to do, just be patient since it can be a pain to line everything up. Use very big and strong paper clip binders (you can buy them at Staples). Use the clips to hold the belt onto both cam gears.

I want to remove my balance shafts, but its a pain with the motor in the car. I know its not hard, just lazy considering i'm going to build a 6bolt swap over the winter so its kind of pointless.

 

[zxrider_sa]

Jay Racing sells a timing belt tool kit that is supposed to give you the couple tid bits to make the job alot easier. Not trying to indorse anything, but might be something to look into.

 

[LiquidX]

Get this kit. It has everything you'll need to do you timing belt.
Jay Racing Timing Belt Tools Kit [TBTS] - $50.00 : Jay Racing

 

[ztotheigg]

Get this kit. It has everything you'll need to do you timing belt.
Jay Racing Timing Belt Tools Kit [TBTS] - $50.00 : Jay Racing

That kit looks amazing, and its on it's way to my house now! ! thanks you guys for the feedback. I have all day tomorrow saturday, and sunday to get it done. so i will be triple checking everything. and then triple checking my triple checks. If you got all that. . I just dont want to hear my valves bending when i start it up .

 

[BigBeans]

Depending on what the plans for the car are, this would be a great time to upgrade to head studs while you're there

 

[dsmpat95]

Depending on what the plans for the car are, this would be a great time to upgrade to head studs while you're there

Very true.

 

[brownfinger]

The worst part may just be getting the cover on and off! Really. Also, don't accidentally put the outer water pump pulley on backwards. It goes flat-side-out.

When taking off drive belts:

1. Remove engine mount

2. crack loose the 4 little bolts on water pump pulley

3. loosen the alternator, de-tension the belt and remove it

4. now you can rotate the p/s belt to loosen the p/s pump bolts and remove the belt.

5. be glad you loosened the bolts first, and then remove the water pump pulleys.

When working on a 7-bolt, you don't need to loosen the center crank bolt just to replace t-belts. On a 6-bolt you DO need to remove the center bolt to replace the b/s belt. If you do need to remove the bolt even though it's a 7-bolt (crank seal replacement, for instance) and you don't have an impact gun, visit vfaq.com for some of the crazy ways to get around buying an impact gun.

VFAQ Site - Visual Frequently Answered Questions

 

[gtrej01]

Yup, just take your time, also might be a good time to check and or replace your belts.

Good luck!

 

[unplugme71]

I"m not looking forward to doing mine. I priced out my Timing Belt parts to $285 and that doesn't include the waterpump.... eeek!

 

[aquanimi]

I know when I did mine before I took the old belt off I lined everything up on the timing marks and took a ruler and some white spray paint and made a highly visible mark as reference points on the cam and crank/block. it's ugly but makes it SUPER easy to line everything up. The crank timing mark can be difficult to see with the motor in. Also when doing the timing I think it's a good idea to change the tensioner and the pulleys as well.

Oh and one more thing. PLEASE put the timing cover back on.

 

[Speed_RacerGSX]

The Jay racing set good. I have just the factory tensioner tool (like the one in the top left of the pic) and have always done mitsu tbelts with only that tool. The tensioner compressor is useful, but I recommend replacing the tensioner anyhow.

 

[ztotheigg]

Again guys thank you all for the replies. lots of info i was looking for. Love this site. As far as my other belts those all look like they were replaced right before i bought the car. But i took the timing belt cover off and there is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of play in the belt!!! So i havent been driving it. HAHA. And dont worry my timing belt covers will go back on. My luck would be a rock flying in there. It wouldnt even be a stone either. It would be some ginormous rock thats bigger then my fist. Yea i have good luck! But anyway thanks again for all your tips, and inputs. I am sure they will all come in handy!

 

[aquanimi]

If you do it and do it right you'll save yourself a big chunk of change. I know here just labor costs alone for a timing job is $300.00. That's crazy.