Timing Belt Questions

[MacQ]

My son wants me to help him change the timing belt on his '97 B2300 next weekend. From looking at the posts here and on youtube, it doesn't appear to be too difficult a job. However, I was thinking that since we're in there, might as well go for a new water pump and new thermostat.

Questions then: 1.) Are the new water pump and thermostat good ideas? 2.) Anything I should definatly be aware of in the job? 3.) Any tips or tricks you use that make the job easier?

Thanks!

 

[RonD]

Yes, water pump and T-stat are good to replace as regular maintenance.
New belt and tensioner

Line up all the timing marks on the crank(TDC) and oil pump gear and cam gear before removing.
The TDC mark on the crank goes around two times for each one time for the Cam and Oil pump gear, so if the marks are not lined up at TDC then rotate crank one full turn to TDC again and they should be lined up, this is just helpful when installing the new belt.

The crankshaft pulley bolt can be hard to remove and retighten, it's torque spec is 100ft/lbs
Hopefully you have a manual transmission, BLOCK TIRES, put trans in 5th gear, remove bolt.
Sometimes you need a wheel puller to remove the crankshaft pulley.

If you have an automatic it can be tougher, there are a few options:
Impact wrench
Use starter motor to "bump" the crank while with socket and breaker bar wedged against the frame, this can loosen the bolt but not tighten it.
Flywheel holder, needs two guys.
Strap wrench on pulley.

 

[HAPPY+RANGER+GUY]

...might as well go for a new water pump and new thermostat.

Take a good look at the radiator hoses and heater hoses...good time to change those out also while the cooling system is drained. Give the heater core a good reverse flush.

 

[MacQ]

Thanks for the replys and info, RonD and Happy Ranger Guy. Now I'll go back to lurking on this site like I usually do! LOL Like this site!