Timing Belt - Calling all SoCalers

[fiasco]

I need to do the timing belt. Based on what I've read on the forum, it sounds like a doable project, but I'd be a lot more confident with the help of a Fiater or two that have done it before.

So here's the thing . . . if I can persuade some folks to come down to Glendora for a working holiday, I'll provide a grill full of steaks and a cooler full of drinks. Glendora is about halfway between Pasadena and Pomona. Very close to where the Turkey Trot was held last month.

What do you guys think?
-- se

[So Cal Mark]

I expect you will be overwhelmed with responses, but the big question is do you have the required tools, and especially a compressor and 1/2" impact wrench?

[fiasco]

I expect you will be overwhelmed with responses, but the big question is do you have the required tools, and especially a compressor and 1/2" impact wrench?

Got the compressor. I don't have a 1/2" wrench but could borrow one pretty easily.

[spiderrey]

ill bring any tools needed. the timing belt is an easy job. and im 1 block from glendora.

[rlux4]

I'm pretty sure I can make it. In case Rey forgets them, I'll bring the 36" crowbar and 3 lb. sledge hammer. This is Ventura Ace showing me how to start a valve adjustment job:

(thumbnail)

This is how I was shown how to do it, so I'm sure we'll need these tools.
Ron

[ventura ace]

What date did you have in mind?

Alvon

[spiderrey]

you guys are weak. i use a 10 lb hammer..........

[fiasco]

Hard to tell what the weather is going to do, and I know we're in the middle of the holidays. How about the Saturday after new year, or the Saturday after that? That'd be the 3rd or the 10th. Either day I'd have to work around a youth soccer game (I coach) - morning game on the 3rd, afternoon game on the 10th.

And speaking of valve adjustment jobs - I need one of those too. Would it make sense to do it at the same time, or is that something for another day?

Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks,
-- se

[fiasco]

How about the Saturday after new year, or the Saturday after that? That'd be the 3rd or the 10th.

Is this too soon after the holidays? Should I shoot for a date later in January?

Thanks all,
-- se

[SpiderHead]

you guys are weak. i use a 10 lb hammer..........

I just used my thumbs last time, it was easier to move than the one time they had me reposition the pyramids...

-Ryan

"get that as tight as you can with the wrench, then give it a couple more turns with your fingers...."

put some Coors in that cooler full of drinks.. and you have one more signed up!

[fiasco]

put some Coors in that cooler full of drinks.. and you have one more signed up!

I'll make sure we have a variety to suite all tastes (ok maybe not all tastes).

-- se

[ventura ace]

Steve,
If I can make it down for the session, I can bring valve shims and tools for pulling those suckers out. Checking and replacing valve shims shouldn't take very long, provided you can easily remove everything to get the valve covers off. Do you have replacement valve cover gaskets, should they need it?

Alvon

[fiasco]

How about this. Let's wait till February. That way we get past the holidays and past soccer season. That'll give me time to find out what all parts I need to order, get them ordered, and get them here in time to use them. After the first of January, I'll start looking for a Saturday in February when folks can come down.

With that said, I need to put together a shopping list. What all will I need for a timing belt change and a valve adjustment job? So far, I'm assuming at least a timing belt (duh), and valve cover gaskets. Do I need a tensioner? What else needs to be on the list?

Thanks,
-- se

[So Cal Mark]

I'd plan on replacing the tensioner, and all front engine seals as well as the timing belt. Look closely at the air pump belt since it's under the timing cover on your car. Also a good time for fresh coolant unless yours is in new condition. I'd add a flush tee for the upper heater hose at that time too, it makes bleeding the cooling system pretty easy

[rlux4]

I definately agree with Mark on the tensioner bearing. When Ace and I did my timing belt we checked mine, spun it, held it up to an ear, and it seemed fine. However, when we went to pull it off the shaft, it fell aprart in our hands. Lucky for me, Ace had a new one amongst his stock of parts. They're not a lot of money, so it doesn't make sense not to replace it.
Ron