Changing timing belt, what else should I do while I’m at it?

[Bartmuley]

I’m changing the timing belt on 94 2.3. I have a new water pump and thermostat is there anything else I need to change while I’ve got it apart?

thanks.

 

[racsan]

Id change the tensioner for the timing belt too and be sure the crank sensor/wire looks ok, if yours has damage you have to tear down to this point again to change it. I dont think they go bad though, either they work or dont but it’s possible damage could of happened when you took things apart.

 

[Shran]

Great time to change the fan clutch, usually they recommend doing that at the same time as the water pump because they have roughly the same expected lifespan. Serpentine belt, hoses if they are old. Might not hurt to pull the radiator and run some clean water through it, and spray off the exterior of it too...get rid of any dead insects, leaves, mud etc that have built up in the fins. Otherwise I think you've got it covered.

 

[Bartmuley]

Thanks for the replies, I’ve watched a couple of videos and I’m not sure if I need to get a special tool to use
On the tensioner or not?

Autozone doesn’t rent them as far as I can tell. Do I need to buy the tool or can it be done without the special tool? I’m talking about the tool you use to release the tension so the belt can be removed and installed?

 

[Shran]

I don't think you need any special tools for that. Seems like I have always used a pry bar to release the tensioner...and to get the belt back on. You could just cut the belt off, you're replacing it anyway.

 

[gaz]

Oil pump

Have the valves looked over (valve guides, valve guide seals valve seats and the actual valves) and the complete valve train.

 

[Dirtman]

Thanks for the replies, I’ve watched a couple of videos and I’m not sure if I need to get a special tool to use
On the tensioner or not?

Autozone doesn’t rent them as far as I can tell. Do I need to buy the tool or can it be done without the special tool? I’m talking about the tool you use to release the tension so the belt can be removed and installed?

Large flat head screw driver or pry bar works fine. It's a little awkward when you're holding the tensioner back with the pry bar with one hand and tightening the bolt to hold it with the other hand, but no where near complicated enough to waste money on any special tool for it.

Loosen the larger 17mm bolt slightly, then loosen the smaller 13mm bolt, pry the tensioner back and while holding it tighten the 13mm bolt back up to hold it. Remove and replace the belt. Once the belt is on and set, release the 13mm bolt. Check that the timing marks didn't move (they probably did, it usually takes me 2 or 3 attempts). Once its released and the marks are still on, tighten both tensioner bolts.