2.3L ('83-'97) Can I split the timing belt and slip on the new one and then remove the last bit?

[ccaissie]

I'm about to change the timing belt on my 2.3 l while it's out of the vehicle.
Somewhere i read of a method to cut the existing timing belt slipt down the middle leaving half of it.
then the new belt is slipped on , and the remnant removed.

this preserves the timing and eliminates all the timing marks etc. Of course recheck is smart...

Anyone ever tried this?

 

[Curious Hound]

Why not just line up all the marks before removing the old one? Then, old off/new on. All done.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd be concerned with getting things off a tooth cause of tension that way.

Side note: Does the 2.3 have any pulleys that will move under their own weight or with the slightest bump when the belt is off?

 

[scotts90ranger]

That would probably work, never tried it but turning to the timing marks especially when the engine is out shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Curious Hound]

I know this is a different engine, but...

Not too hard to rotate if you bolt a handle on the crank.

 

[ccaissie]

I did find the video... The guy used an angle grinder to split the belt...ugly. Many comments in the video screaming at the guy. I think I'll try a more moderate approach. What's the big deal? Cam to crank timing is the big one. No distributor....timing comes off the front pulley. Yes, you do want to check or replace the idler...

Most of the comments were about not replacing the idler....and using the angle grinder without a guard and without medieval protection armor. It seems the Russians use a knife while the engine is running....heh.

 

[Curious Hound]

Hate to say it. But you are watching all the wrong videos. Look for "how-tos" instead of entertaining "get yourself killed and mess up all your parts" videos.