Starting a cambelt change job.

[atikovi]

I have the right side of the car jacked up, the engine braced under the oil pan, fender liner removed, the long center engine mount bolt out and one lower front hex bolt on the mount loose. Couldn't figure out how to get at the upper rear alternator bolt. No room to swing a wrench even if I could get it on the bolt.

[dapinky]

I usually go from the top, but remove the PAS fluid reservoir to get access - no need to remove the pipes from the reservoir, just the holding clamp/bolts and push it towards the bulkhead. Then you can get to the altenator bolts.

[CalElan]

don't go any further until you've verified you can get the crank pulley nut undone!

[atikovi]

I usually go from the top, but remove the PAS fluid reservoir to get access - no need to remove the pipes from the reservoir, just the holding clamp/bolts and push it towards the bulkhead. Then you can get to the altenator bolts.

I do have it loose but it doesn't want to go rearward much. And the crank pulley is the least of my concerns. I have a big impact wrench that will get a Honda bolt off in half a second. Just don't remember if I have a one inch drive 17mm socket.

[muley]

Yes, move the pas fluid reservoir to the rear and use a long 12mm ratchet spanner.


Jim

[lotusrepair]

Just did the cambelt this week. Belt was loose. Tensioner was flipped the wrong way. Belt either jumped or was put on 10 deg off. With the crank at 0 this is where the cams were.

I was on borrowed time. The other interesting thing is that the last person to do it painted the 10 btdc in white and not TDC

Chris

[HJ2]

That was close then!

[atikovi]

Loosened the PS pump and got that belt off. Still couldn't access the alternator bolt so I removed crank pulley with the alternator belt. No idea how I'll put it back on but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Removed all 4 socket bolts of the engine mount from the engine then removed the 3 bolts of the mount that attach it to the frame. Got both halfs of the mount out of the car. Removed top engine cover, then set TDC and locked cams in place with 2 engine cover bolts. Removed lower cover, loosened the tensioner to remove the belt, then removed the pulleys.

[atikovi]

Got the new water pump in



and both pulleys

[atikovi]

And the timing belt.

[steve matthews]

[atikovi]

I still have to put it back together ya know. Unscrewing them engine mount bolts and letting them fall to the ground is nothing compared to getting them back in. And no idea how I'll get the alternator belt back on properly.

[steve matthews]

It will work out. One step at a time, walk away then re-visit the situation. You have accomplished much.

Steve

[HJ2]

Nearly there!

As for the bolt: Go in from the top as described earlier. It's not easy, but works all the time for me.

[atikovi]

Most useful tool so far. For the engine mount hex socket bolts. Took the cut off piece from the allen key and jammed it into a ratcheting box end wrench with some paper so it doesn't fall out every 2 turns. Sanity saver.

[HJ2]

Haha. I recognise that!

[dapinky]

Haha. I recognise that!

It could be mine - except mine was held in with a dab of silicone sealant!

[CalElan]

I used a piece of clay bar used for detailing!

[muley]

Blue Tac every time.

Mind you, I"m swapping in 10mm Hex Headed set screws this time!


Jim

[atikovi]

Replaced the other belts and I'm done.