Repair And Fix it

Audi AG is a German company that makes cars in a range of styles. A V6 engine is common in late-model Audi cars, such as the A6. This executive car typically features the AHA series engine, a six-cylinder, 2.8-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. This engine has a timing belt to synchronize the movements of the crankshaft and camshafts. The timing belt requires regular replacement, unlike a timing chain, which can last the lifetime of the car.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Detach the accessory drive belt from its pulleys. Turn the crankshaft clockwise by hand to align the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley with the timing mark on the crankcase. The timing marks on the camshaft must also align with their respective timing marks on the crankcase.

2

Remove the plug from the left side of the engine block by the crankshaft with a socket wrench. Align the timing marks on the crankshaft again if necessary. Connect Tool No. 3242 to the crankshaft and tighten it slightly to hold it in place.

3

Disconnect the upper timing belt covers, crankshaft vibration damper and lower timing belt cover in that order. Loosen the mounting bolts for the camshaft sprockets with a socket wrench, and release the sprockets from the ends of the camshafts.

4

Turn the roller for the timing belt tensioner clockwise with an 8 mm Allen wrench to compress the tensioner. Place a 2 mm spring pin through the holes in the tensioner housing and plunger to hold the plunger in place. Turn the tensioner counterclockwise to release the tensioner.

5

Remove the mounting bolts for the crankshaft damper with a socket wrench and detach the damper from the crankshaft. Disconnect the serpentine belt from the idler pulley and remove the guard for the crankshaft damper. Detach the timing belt from its pulleys.

6

Align the timing marks for the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys, if necessary. Place the new timing belt onto the pulleys, so that the arrow on the timing belt points in the clockwise direction.

7

Turn the roller for the timing belt tensioner clockwise with an 8 mm Allen wrench to compress the tensioner. Pull the 2 mm spring pin from the housing of the tensioner plunger. Turn the tensioner roller counterclockwise to apply tension to the timing belt.

8

Connect the damper guard for the crankshaft and attach the serpentine belt to the idler pulley. Tighten the mounting bolts for the idler pulley bolts to 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Replace the crankshaft damper and tighten its mounting bolts to 15 foot-pounds. Fasten the mounting bolts for the camshaft sprockets with a socket wrench. Install the timing belt covers.

9

Remove Tool No. 3242 from the crankshaft pulley. Install the sealing plug into its hole on the lower left side of the engine with a socket wrench. Attach the accessory drive belt and connect the cable for the negative battery terminal.

The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 1993. The 2002 model is a second generation Lexus, which includes the 1997 through 2005 models. The 2002 Lexus GS 300 has a six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. This type of engine uses a timing belt to synchronize the rotations of the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing belt should last at least 60,000 miles before requiring replacement.

Instructions

1

Remove any components needed to access the upper timing belt cover. Disconnect the eight mounting bolts on the upper timing belt cover with a socket wrench and remove the upper cover.

2

Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a hex wrench to align the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley with the timing mark on the crankcase. The timing marks on the camshaft pulleys must also align with the timing marks on the lower timing cover.

3

Disconnect the timing belt tensioner and its dust cover with a socket wrench. Remove the lower timing belt covers and the guide for the timing belt. Rotate the pulley for the right camshaft clockwise slightly to relieve the tension on the timing belt, and detach the timing belt from its pulleys.

4

Replace the lower timing cover and fasten its mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Turn the right camshaft pulley clockwise to align its timing mark with the corresponding timing mark on the lower timing belt cover. Turn the left camshaft pulley clockwise to align its timing mark.

5

Place the new timing belt onto the crankshaft pulley. Align its installation mark with the edge of the lower timing belt cover.

6

Place the timing belt on the left camshaft pulley and align the left camshaft timing mark on the timing belt with the timing mark on the left camshaft. Align the timing mark on the left camshaft with its corresponding mark on the lower timing belt cover. Repeat this step with the right camshaft.

7

Place a plate washer between the engine block and the timing belt tensioner. Press the push rod for the tensioner into its housing to align the hole in the push rod with the hole in the housing. Insert a 0.05 inch Allen wrench into the holes to hold the push rod in place.

8

Replace the dust cover for the tensioner, and install the tensioner. Tighten the mounting bolts for the tensioner to 20 ft- lbs. with a torque wrench. Remove the Allen wrench from the hole in the push rod housing to apply the correct tension to the timing belt.

9

Turn the crankshaft clockwise two full turns and align the timing marks once again. Replace the upper timing belt cover with a socket wrench. Install any components removed in step one to access the timing belt.

The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe that Honda manufactured from 1978 to 2001. The 1998 model is available with several types four-cylinder, 2.2-liter engines, which have a single or double overhead camshaft. These engines use a timing belt to keep the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized. The timing belt has a limited lifetime and its repair consists of replacing the timing belt at periodic intervals.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to move the No. 1 cylinder to its top dead center position. Remove the covers for the valves and timing belt.

2

Fasten a bolt for the timing belt cover to the adjuster arm of the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. This will hold the adjuster arm in place temporarily. Loosen the adjuster nut for the timing belt by one turn and push the tensioner for the balancer belt away from the belt to reduce the tension on the belt.

3

Hold the tensioner for the balancer in place and tighten its adjusting nut with a socket wrench. Remove the balancer belt from its pulleys and detach the sprocket for the balancer belt from the crankshaft.

4

Loosen the lock bolt and adjusting nut on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench and push the tensioner to relieve the timing belt tension. Tighten the adjuster nut to hold the belt tensioner in place and remove the timing belt from the camshaft pulley.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align its timing pointer with the timing mark on the flywheel. Turn the camshaft pulley clockwise until the word "UP" is on top of the pulley.

6

Install the timing belt onto its pulleys and belt tensioner. Loosen the locking bolt on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. Loosen the adjusting nut for the timing belt, then tighten it. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to move the timing belt forward by three teeth to place tension on the timing belt.

7

Loosen the adjusting nut for the timing belt with a torque wrench, then tighten it to 33 foot-pounds. Tighten the locking bolt for the timing belt tensioner and turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks. Place the sprocket for the balancer belt on the crankshaft and turn the pulley for the balancer belt so that its timing mark aligns with the notch on the oil pump.

8

Install the balancer belt onto its pulleys, ensuring that its timing marks remain aligned. Loosen the adjusting nut for the balancer belt tensioner slowly to place tension on the balancer belt.

9

Turn the crankshaft clockwise one turn to align the timing marks on the timing belt and tighten the adjusting nut to 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Remove the bolt that is holding the timing belt tensioner in place. Install the covers for the timing belt and valves. Connect the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

Nissan markets its D22 and D40 pickup trucks in North America as the Frontier. A six-cylinder 3.3-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft is standard for the D22 models. The timing belt for this engine keeps the camshafts synchronized with the camshaft, enabling the engine to run smoothly. The timing belt has a limited lifetime, and typically requires replacement after 60,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the undercover from the engine with a socket wrench. Remove the shroud, cooling fan and cooling fan pulleys from the radiator. Drain the coolant from the radiator, and disconnect the hose from the radiator. Remove the radiator from the vehicle.

2

Remove the accessory drive belts for the power steering pump, air compressor and alternator. Disconnect the spark plugs and the distributor dust shield with a socket wrench. Remove the idler pulley and bracket from the air compressor.

3

Disconnect the air intake tube from the cylinder head cover with a socket wrench. Detach the radiator hose from the housing of the thermostat.

4

Remove the mounting bolt for the crankshaft pulley, and pull the pulley from its shaft with a gear puller. Remove the front timing belt covers.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the punch mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the notch on the housing for the oil pump. The punch mark on the left camshaft sprocket must also align with the punch mark on the rear timing belt cover.

6

Fasten the bolt for the crankshaft pulley directly to the crankshaft with a socket wrench. Disconnect the timing belt tensioner with a hex wrench, and remove the tensioner spring. Remove the timing belt from its sprockets.

7

Remove the cylinder head covers with a socket wrench, and loosen the rocker arm retaining bolts. Install the timing belt tensioner with a hex wrench, and connect the tensioner spring. Tighten the lock nut to hold the timing belt tensioner in place temporarily.

8

Align the marks on the timing belt with the timing marks on the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets. Install the new timing belt onto the sprockets with the arrow facing the front covers for the front timing belt.

9

Hold the timing belt tensioner in place manually. Loosen its lock nut with a hex wrench until the tensioner turns 70 to 80 degrees clockwise. Tighten the lock nut to hold the tensioner in this position.

10

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench by several full turns, and align the timing marks again. Push the timing belt with 22 pounds of pressure between the right camshaft sprocket and tensioner pulley while you loosen the tensioner lock nut.

11

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise by several full turns with a socket wrench, and align the timing marks once again. Attach the front timing belt covers, and tighten the mounting bolts to 24 foot pounds with a torque wrench. Remove the bolt for the crankshaft pulley, and install the pulley onto the shaft. Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to between 90 and 98 foot pounds.

12

Install the remaining components by performing steps one through three in reverse order. Start the engine, and correct any coolant leaks.

Correct ignition timing specifications are crucial for engine performance. Timing affects many variables, including fuel economy and engine longevity. Sold for more than six decades, the F150 is a full-sized pickup manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Its engineers have determined precise timing specifications so that you can benefit from your 1989 F150 truck as much as possible.

Measuring Ignition Timing

A timing light is used to check the timing. When the motor is running, an inductive trigger signal is picked up from one of the spark plug cables, causing the light to illuminate and freeze while the spark plug fires. This helps determine the crankshaft position. Use this information for timing adjustment.

Timing Specifications

The ideal time at which the mixture should be fully burned on the 1989 F150 is in the range from 9.5 to 14.0 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) with engine running at 2,500 rpm.

Notes

These adjustments should be performed only on mechanical advance distributors. Also, when the engine is operating at high altitudes, the timing should be set to 14 degrees.

The 5.0L engine is one of the most dependable and rugged engines that the Ford Motor Company has ever offered. Although it is a dependable workhorse, even the best engines parts occasionally fail. This is true of the front seal, located inside the timing cover on this particular engine. In order to replace the seal when it starts leaking, it is necessary to remove the timing cover. Although it sounds like a big job, most people with a little mechanical knowledge can do it in their own garage.

Instructions

1

Slip a drain pan beneath the radiator. Open the radiator cap Use a pair of pliers to loosen the petcock at the bottom of the radiator by turning it counterclockwise until it rotates freely. Spin the petcock counterclockwise until it is fully open, allowing the coolant to drain from the radiator.

2

Remove the bolts that connect the oil pan to the engine block by attaching a socket from a socket wrench set to any combination of ratchet wrench and extensions that are necessary to reach each bolt, and turning them counterclockwise until they are free of the engine block. Remove the oil pan.

3

Remove the crankshaft bolt by putting the correct size socket wrench on the ratchet and turning the bolt counterclockwise until it is free of the crankshaft. Slide the dampener and crankshaft pulley, which is bolted to the damper, off the end of the crankshaft.

4

Remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block with the ratchet wrench and the appropriate sized socket. Remove the water pump.

5

Remove the bolts attaching the timing cover of the 5.0 L engine to the engine block with the ratchet wrench, and/or extensions in the appropriate sized socket wrench. Remove the timing cover from the engine.

Overhead camshaft engines use a timing belt to maintain a specific synchronization between the crank shaft and the camshaft. The belt turns the camshaft in harmony with the crankshaft to open and close the intake and exhaust valves at just the right time. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt as part of the normal maintenance schedule; however, the interval of this maintenance varies between vehicle manufacturers and ranges anywhere from every 65,000 to 100,000 miles .

Valve Timing

The camshaft has a number of lobes that push down on the exhaust or intake valve to let air into or exhaust out of the combustion chamber at just the right time. If the belt has slipped a tooth or broken, the engine will most likely stall as the intake or exhaust valves will no longer open and close at the proper times to let air in or out of the system.

Non-Interference Engines

If the timing belt breaks, the camshaft will cease to move and the valves will be stuck in whatever position they were in when the belt broke. Non-interference engines are designed so that the piston will not be able to contact the valve if the valve remains open when the piston is elevated to its highest position in its bore, so that no major internal damage can result.

Interference Engine

If your vehicle has an interference-style engine, then the camshaft timing is vital. In an interference engine, the intake or exhaust valves extend into the cylinder bore enough so that the piston will slam into the valve if the valve remains open too long. If the timing belt slips or breaks on an interference engine, the cost of repairs can be high, as the repair can involve having to replace the piston or valve.

Preventive Maintenance

To protect yourself from being stranded if the timing belt happens to break or jump a tooth, have the timing belt inspected regularly or become familiar with your vehicles timing belt inspection procedure and do it yourself on a regualr basis. If the engine in your vehicle has an interference engine, it is advisable to have the timing belt checked often and replaced on schedule to prevent the possibility of serious engine damage.

Chevrolet introduced the Malibu as the top-of-the-line trim of the Chevelle in 1964, and in 1978 Chevy dropped the Chevelle and replaced the entire line with the Malibu. The 1999 Malibu came in base and LS trims with three different engines. As is often the case, the timing specs, such as the spark-plug gap and firing order, vary not only from year to year but also from trim to trim of the Malibu. So, it is extremely important to make certain that the specs are specific to the make, model, model year, trim and engine size. However, certain aspects of the 1999 Malibus timing are not adjustable at all because they are controlled by the vehicles computer system.

The 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower Engine

The base trim of the 1999 Malibu came standard with a 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower in-line four-cylinder engine. The spark-plug gap for this engine was 0.50 inches. The firing order was 1-3-4-2. The ignition timing was not adjustable, regardless of the transmission, because the timing was dictated by the Power Control Module (PCM).

3.1-liter, 150-horsepower V-6 Engine

A 3.1-liter, 150-horsepower V-6 engine was standard in the LS trim and optional for the Base trim. The spark-plug gap was 0.60 inches, and the firing order was 1-2-3-4-5-6. The ignition timing and the mark were controlled by the PCM and a crankshaft position sensor. The only way to actually adjust the timing would be to replace these parts.

3.1-liter, 170-horsepower V6 Engine

The 3.1-liter, 170-horsepower V-6 engine was optional in both the base and LS trims of the 1999 Chevy Malibu. The spark-plug gap was 0.60 inches and the firing order was 1-2-3-4-5-6. Like the other two 1999 Malibu engines, the ignition timing was not adjustable because it was controlled by the PCM and a crankshaft position sensor.

Replacing the timing belt on your 2002 Kia Spectra is a task that you must schedule as part of routine maintenance when the car reaches approximately 60,000 miles. It is generally agreed in the auto world that you need a new one about every 60,000 miles since the belt like other moving parts will wear. While it is certainly more complicated than simply replacing a fan belt, its still something that you can do in your driveway and youre much better off to do it as part of your maintenance schedule than it is to have the belt break and leave you stranded on the highway.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

2

Remove the accessory drive belts using the proper size socket to loosen the alternator and push it toward the engine.

3

Remove the alternator using the proper size socket and ratchet.

4

Remove the water pump and crankshaft pulleys using the proper size socket and ratchet.

5

Remove the timing belt guide plate with a wrench.

6

Remove the upper and lower timing belt covers with a socket and ratchet.

7

Position the crankshaft so that the notch on it lines up with the timing mark on the engine. If your motor is dirty and grimy, use a grease rag to clean the area so the marks will be visible.

8

Remove the timing belt tensioner using a wrench and then take off the timing belt.

9

Reinstall the timing belt tensioner using the proper size wrench and then move it to its furthest point and tighten the lock bolt.

10

Install the timing belt on the pulleys: crankshaft pulley first, then the idler pulley, exhaust camshaft pulley, intake camshaft pulley, and finally, on the tensioner pulley.

11

Loosen the tensioner pulley using a wrench and allow the spring to place the proper tension on the timing belt. Now tighten the tensioner pulley and torque the bolts to 28 to 38 foot-pounds.

12

Rotate the crankshaft two turns clockwise using the proper size wrench and make sure that the timing marks still line up properly.

13

Reinstall the upper and lower timing belt covers and tighten them using the appropriately sized socket.

14

Re-attach the timing belt guide plate using a socket.

15

Reinstall the water pump and crankshaft pulleys using the proper size socket and ratchet and make sure they are tight.

16

Put the alternator in place and secure it with its bolt loosely.

17

Reinstall the accessory belt over all the accessory pulleys.

18

Pull the alternator toward the front of the car and tighten it when the accessory belt is drawn tight. Be caul not to make the accessory belt too tight. You should be able to push the belt about a half inch.

19

Reconnect the battery cable and start the car to test the installation.

The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car in production since 1994. The first generation of the Accent includes the model years 1994 through 1999. These vehicles have several different engine options, with a four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine being the standard. This engine has a single overhead camshaft, requiring a timing belt to synchronize the movement of the camshaft and crankshaft. The timing belt on the 1995 Hyundai Accent requires replacement approximately every 60,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to avoid starting the engine inadvertently. Remove the accessory drive belts, crankshaft pulley and water pump pulley. Disconnect the bolts for the timing belt cover and remove the cover.

2

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks. The timing mark on the crankshaft must align with the timing mark on the front of the crankcase and the timing mark on the camshaft must align with the timing mark on the cylinder head.

3

Loosen the tensioning and pivot bolts on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. Pull the tensioner towards the water pump as far as possible and tighten the adjusting bolt to hold the tensioner in place. Remove the timing belt from the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Disconnect the sprockets for the crankshaft and camshaft. Remove the flange for the crankshaft sprocket.

4

Connect the flange and sprocket to the crankshaft with a socket wrench. Tighten the mounting bolts to between 51 and 72 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Connect the camshaft sprocket and tighten its mounting bolts to between 47 and 54 ft. lbs. if your vehicle identification number begins with a J. Tighten the mounting bolts for the camshaft sprocket to between 58 and 72 ft. lbs. if your vehicle identification number begins with an E.

5

Turn the crankshaft and camshaft clockwise to align their respective timing marks. Place the timing belt onto the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket in that order. Install the back of the belt over the wheel for the timing belt tensioner. Turn the camshaft sprocket counterclockwise to place tension on the timing belt and align its timing marks.

6

Loosen the mounting bolts for the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. This step allows the spring on the timing belt tensioner to apply tension to the timing belt. Insure the timing belt engages all of the teeth on the camshaft pulley.

7

Tighten the adjusting bolt for the timing belt tensioner to between 15 and 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the pivot bolt to between 15 and 18 foot-pounds. Turn the crankshaft one complete clockwise to seat the timing belt and align the timing marks. Loosen the attaching bolts on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench to allow the tensioner to adjust the tensioner the timing belt. Tighten the adjusting bolts.

8

Adjust the tension on the timing belt by pulling the timing belt towards the water pump. The timing belt is at the proper tension if the timing belt teeth come halfway across the the head of the adjusting bolt for the timing belt tensioner.

9

Install the timing belt covers, crankshaft pulley, water pump pulley and accessory drive belts with a socket wrench. Attach the cable to the negative battery terminal and check the vehicle for proper operation.

The 300D is a member of the series of executive cars by Mercedes Benz with the internal designation W123. The 300 designation indicates the car has a 3.0-liter engine, and the D designation means the engine uses diesel fuel. The timing chain in the Mercedes Benz 300D is an endless timing chain that contains a single master link, or connecting link. You must use a chain-breaker to separate the master link and remove the timing chain.

Instructions

1

Remove the spark plugs with a socket wrench, and disconnect the valve covers.

2

Clamp the timing chain to the camshaft gear. Plug the opening in the cover for the timing chain with shop rags. Attach a chain-breaker to the master link on the timing chain. Separate the master link by using the chain-breaker. Release the clamp from the camshaft gear, and remove the shop rags from the hole in the timing chain cover.

3

Attach the master link on the new timing chain to the master link on the old timing chain. Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench as you pull the old timing chain through the camshaft sprocket. Maintain tension on the old timing chain, and stop turning when the master link on the old chain is in the 12 oclock position on the camshaft sprocket.

4

Disconnect the master link on the old timing chain from the master link on the new timing chain, and remove the old timing chain from the camshaft sprocket. Connect the free end of the master link on the new timing chain with the other free end of the timing chain. Make this connection from the rear of the camshaft sprocket, so that you can see the lock washers on the timing chain.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft with the timing mark on the crankcase. This will close the master link on the new timing chain. Turn the crankshaft at least one full turn clockwise to ensure the new timing chain is properly seated.

The 4G63 is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that Mitsubishi has manufactured since 1982. It appears in a variety of vehicles manufactured by Mitsubishi and Chrysler, especially during the 1990s. The Mitsubishi Eclipse made from 1990 to 1998 is a common vehicle that features the 4G63 engine. The timing belt in this engine allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, keeping the rotations of the camshaft and crankshaft synchronized so that the pistons fire at the correct time. A timing belt generally requires replacement after 60,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to ensure you dont start the engine accidentally. Disconnect the covers for the outer timing belt and remove the outer timing belt tensioner. Detach the outer timing belt from its sprockets.

2

Disconnect the outer flange and sprocket from the crankshaft with a socket wrench. Remove the spring for the inner timing belt tensioner from the water pump and disconnect the tensioner. Detach the inner timing belt from its sprockets.

3

Rotate the inner crankshaft sprocket to align the timing marks on the inner sprocket with the timing marks on the front of the crankcase. Install the new inner timing belt around the inner crankshaft sprocket so that the upper span of the timing belt is taut and the timing marks still align.

4

Connect the pulley for the inner timing belt pensioner and turn it by hand until the inner timing belt has a deflection of about 1/4 inch. Hold the pulley in place and tighten the mounting bolt for the inner timing belt pulley to 15 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

5

Pull the inner timing belt tensioner toward the water pump as far as possible and fasten the mounting bolts for the tensioner with the socket wrench. Connect the spring for the inner timing belt tensioner to the water pump.

6

Remove the plug from the hole in the rear side of the cylinder block by the oil pump sprocket. Insert a tool with a diameter of 8mm into the hole to hold the oil pump sprocket in place.

7

Attach the outer crankshaft sprocket to the crankshaft with a socket wrench and align the timing marks on the crankshaft if necessary. Install the new outer timing belt to the outer crankshaft sprocket, oil pump sprocket and camshaft sprocket in that order. Ensure the outer timing belt is taut except on the outer timing belt tensioner.

8

Align the timing marks on the crankshaft if necessary. Loosen the mounting bolt for the outer timing belt tensioner, allowing the tensioner to apply tension to the outer timing belt. Remove the tool holding the oil pump shaft in place and turn the crankshaft clockwise to move the camshaft sprocket forward by two teeth to take up the slack in the timing belt.

9

Fasten the lower and upper mounting bolts for the outer timing belt tensioner in that order. Adjust the tensioner on the outer timing belt so that the deflection of the outer timing belt at its longest span is about 1/2 inch.

10

Replace the covers for the outer timing belt with a socket wrench. Connect the cable to the negative terminal of the battery.

The timing belt on a car engine turns the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves in the cylinders. The valves let fuel into the cylinders as the pistons go down, and let exhaust out as the pistons go up during every other cycle. The timing belt is driven by the crankshaft of the engine, making the valve timing directly related to the speed of the engine. Changing the timing belt on a 1991 Honda Accord requires removing many parts of the engine, then reinserting those same parts in the right place after installation of the timing belt.

Instructions

1

Position the number one cylinder to top dead center of the compression stroke by turning the engines crankshaft. Remove the splash shield underneath the front of the vehicle by removing the 10 bolts holding it on.

2

Remove the cruise control actuator by unscrewing the six bolts holding it on. Unplug the connector, but do not unplug the control cable. Set the actuator aside so it is out of the way.

3

Take off the power steering pump by unscrewing the bolts holding it on. Remove the belt that turns the pump. Leave the hoses connected to the power steering pump and set it aside.

4

Remove the alternator belt by disconnecting the connector and wire harnesses. Unscrew the mounting and adjusting bolts in order to move the alternator to release tension from the belt. Remove the belt when it is loose enough.

5

Take off the valve cover by unscrewing the bolts holding it on. Check the rubber seals underneath the valve cover to see if they need replacement. Place a jack or a jack stand under the engine to support it and remove the mounting brackets on each side of the engine.

6

Remove the upper cover that shields the portion of the timing belt in front of the valve cover. Unscrew the adjusting nut located underneath the upper cover and the dipstick located to the left of the adjusting nut.

7

Take off the crankshaft pulley by removing the large, special bolt holding it in. Remove the lower cover behind the crankshaft pulley by removing the bolts holding it in place.

8

Remove the timing belt and balancer belt by moving the tensioner. Move the tensioner enough to loosen the belts so they can be easily removed.

9

Position the timing balancer belt driven pulley so that the groove on the pulley is lined up with the pointer on the oil pump. Place the new timing and balancer belts on the tensioner and move it back in place.

10

Add back the parts of the vehicle in reverse order of removal, starting with the crankshaft pulley. Once the parts are all put back together, you can loosen the adjusting nut on the tensioner to increase or decrease tension on the timing belt. Make sure the adjusting nut is tightened when you finish making adjustments.

The Accent is a subcompact car that Hyundai began manufacturing in 1994. The 2002 model is a second generation Accent, which includes the 1999 through 2004 models. Hyundai introduced a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft in 2002. This engine uses a timing belt to drive the camshafts with the crankshaft, allowing the cylinder valves to open and close in the correct sequence. The timing belt in a 2002 Hyundai Accent lasts about 60,000 miles.

Instructions

1

Remove any components needed to access the cover for the timing belt. Disconnect the timing belt cover with a socket wrench.

2

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks. The timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket must align with the timing mark on the front of the crankcase. The timing mark on the camshaft sprocket must align with the timing marks on the cap of the camshaft.

3

Loosen the tensioning bolt and pivot bolt on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. Pull the tensioner towards the water pump as far as possible and tighten the adjusting bolt to hold the tensioner in place.

4

Align the timing marks for the crank shaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets, if necessary. Place the timing belt onto the crankshaft sprocket, camshaft sprocket, and belt tensioner wheel, in that order. Turn the camshaft sprocket counterclockwise to take up the slack in the timing belt. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks once again.

5

Loosen the mounting bolts for the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench to place tension on on the timing belt. Ensure that all of the teeth on the camshaft sprocket engage the timing belt.

6

Tighten the adjusting bolt on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. Torque the pivot bolt to between 15 and 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Turn the crankshaft one full turn clockwise to seat the timing belt. Ensure that the timing marks on the crankshaft align once again.

7

Loosen the attaching bolts on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench to allow the tensioner to position itself. Adjust the tension on the timing belt by turning the tensioner wheel. The timing belt is at the correct tension when you pull the timing belt toward the water pump and the teeth of the timing belt come halfway across the tensioner adjusting bolt.,

8

Replace the covers for the timing belt. Install any components you removed in step one to access the timing belt.

If your 97 Camry is backfiring, sluggish or idles poorly then your timing belt may be bad. A timing belt ensures that the camshaft and crankshaft valves work together with the pistons, and having a broken or damaged timing belt can be hazardous to your car and very costly. Making sure that you have a properly working timing belt before things go very wrong can save you a lot of time and money in the end.

Instructions

Remove the timing belt

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Lift your car up with a jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the lower engine cover as well as the right inner fender cover. When youre done with that lower the car back to the ground.

2

From the top of the car, remove the bolts holding the alternator in place then pull out the alternator by hand. Take out the coolant reservoir.

3

Remove the serpentine belt by first removing the pivot bolt on the left corner of the engine block. Then loosen the tensioner adjustment bolt which is located under the tensioner pulley. Pull off the tensioner belt.

4

Raise the car back up and and take off the right engine mount. Keep the car raised.

5

Get your spark plug socket and remove the spark plugs.

6

Take off the timing belt cover. Line up the crankshaft pulley groove with the oil pump by rotating the engine to the right. Make sure the camshaft pulleys line up with the rear belt covers. You may have to rotate the engine.

7

Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove the tensioner and dust boot. Remove the bolts holding the lower timing belt cover on. Take the cover off.

Installing the timing belt

8

Clean the pulleys of any dirt, oil or water.

9

Align the new belts front mark with the crankshaft pulleys mark. Also align the timing belts installation mark with the camshaft pulley.

10

Install the pulleys. The easiest way to install them is, crankshaft, water pump, left camshaft, No. 2 idler, right camshaft and the No.1 idler.

11

Compress the tensioner until the push rod and housing holes align. Reconnect the dust boot and tighten the tension bolts up to 20 foot pounds.

12

Rotate the crankshaft and line up its groove with the oil pump. The timing marks on the camshaft and the marks on the rear timing cover should also match.

13

Put the timing belt guide in and tighten the bolts to 21 foot pounds. Replace and tighten the upper timing belt cover bolts to 74 inch pounds. Replace the lower timing belt cover bolts to 74 inch pounds.

14

Reinstall the spark plugs. Put back on the right engine mount, and reinstall the serpentine belt. To reinstall the serpentine belt follow the instructions in reverse on removing the belt. Put the coolant reservoir back in. Reinstall the alternator.

15

Put the inner fender back on along with the engine cover. Lower the car and reattach the negative battery cable. Start the car to make sure that the timing belt is working properly.

A timing belt that fails could lead to other serious engine failures and damage that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. Information on the replacement of a timing belt can be beneficial for automobile owners.

Identification

There are certain things that can help you to identify problems with your timing belt. Being aware of new sounds coming from your engine can be helpful. An engine that makes scraping noises is often a sign that a timing belt is worn and in need of replacement.

Replace

In order to replace a timing belt, certain parts need to be removed ahead of time, such as fan belts and timing covers. Also, some vehicles require that you replace the water pump when replacing the timing belt.

Time Frame

A timing belt is made partly of rubber and will wear out naturally over time. As a result, estimated intervals for replacement are about every 75,000 miles.

Underneath the timing cover of a small-block Chevrolet engine sits the timing chain and gears. Most often this cover is removed in order to replace the timing chain, but it is also part of the disassembly when rebuilding a small Chevy V8. Though the timing cover sits on the front of the motor, it is obscured by other engine components mounted in front. To remove the timing cover, these obstacles must be removed first.

Instructions

1

Drain the engine coolant and engine oil. On some Chevy models, the oil pan will also need to be removed in order to take off the timing cover.

2

Remove the bottom radiator hose by loosening the screw clamp with a flat screwdriver, draining the coolant into the waste bucket. The bottom hose is the one that hooks to the water pump. If the top hose and radiator are in the way, they will need to be removed as well.

3

Take off the cooling fan and then remove the drive belts.

4

Remove the water pump. Allow the excess fluid to drain from the block into the waste bucket.

5

Remove the harmonic balancer with a harmonic balance puller. Do not pull on the edges of the harmonic balancer or it will separate the rubber from the metal housing.

6

Take off any additional brackets that may be in the way.

7

Disconnect the engine mounts if the engine needs to be raised in order to access the timing cover.

8

Remove the bolts on the timing cover and pull the cover loose. If you did not take off the oil pan, then open the timing cover slightly and tilt it back. Cut the front oil seal off evenly with the engine. Remove the cover.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a sport utility vehicle in production since 1986. The 1996 model was the first of the second generation Pathfinders, which Nissan produced until 2004. Nissan introduced the VG33E engine with the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, which is a six-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine with a single overhead camshaft. This engine has a timing belt to synchronize the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. It is essential for the engine to be in the correct position when replacing the timing belt.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal with a socket wrench. Remove the engine undercover and the radiator shroud. Disconnect the cooling fan assembly, including its pulleys. Drain the radiator and detach the radiator hose. Disconnect the radiator.

2

Detach the drive belts for the power steering motor, air conditioner and alternator. Disconnect the spark plugs with a socket wrench, and remove the dust shield for the distributor. Detach the intake tube near the cover of the cylinder head. Disconnect the hose from the thermostat.

3

Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt with a socket wrench and disconnect the pulley with a gear puller. Remove the front covers for the timing belt. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the oil pump housing. Align the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the rear timing belt cover.

4

Install the bolt for the crankshaft pulley bolt with a socket wrench. Turn the timing belt tensioner counterclockwise with a hexagon wrench to relieve the pressure on the timing belt, and remove the timing belt.

5

Disconnect the covers for the cylinder heads with a socket wrench, and loosen the retaining bolts for the rocker arm shaft. Turn the timing belt tensioner clockwise with a hexagon wrench to tighten it. Tighten the locking nut for the tensioner to hold it in place.

6

Install the timing belt onto the crankshaft and camshaft so that the arrow on the timing belt points toward the front timing belt covers. Align the white lines on the timing belt with the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft. Loosen the locking nut on the belt tensioner with a hex wrench to turn the tensioner about 75 degrees clockwise, and tighten the locking nut.

7

Turn the crankshaft clockwise by several turns to seat the timing belt, and align the timing marks. Press timing belt between the camshaft sprocket and tensioner pulley with about 22 lbs. of force as you loosen the locking nut for the timing belt tensioner.

8

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to advance the timing belt by about 2.5 teeth, and tighten the locking nut for the tensioner. Turn the crankshaft clockwise by several full turns and align the timing marks again.

9

Replace the front covers for the timing belt, and tighten their mounting bolts to 24 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Install the crankshaft pulley onto its shaft, and torque its mounting bolt to between 90 and 98 foot-pounds. Attach the hose to the thermostat housing, and connect the air intake to the cylinder head cover.

10

Connect the dust protector for the distributor with a socket wrench, and install the spark plugs. Attach the drive belts for the power steering motor, air conditioner and alternator. Connect the radiator and attach the hose from the water pump. Fill the radiator with coolant and replace the cooling fan assembly. Connect the undercover for the engine. Start the engine and correct any fluid leaks.

The Corolla is a line of compact cars that Toyota has manufactured since 1966, and the seventh generation of this series includes the 1991 through 1998 models. The timing belt in this vehicle allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, and requires periodic replacement. A 1993 Toyota Corolla was available with a 1.6-liter engine and a 1.8-liter engine. The procedure for replacing the timing belt differs slightly, depending on the engine in your vehicle.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack, and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the reservoir tank for the windshield washer fluid. Remove the right front splash shield, and remove the right front wheel with a lug wrench. Lower the vehicle.

2

Loosen the mounting bolts for the air conditioning compressor and power steering pump when a socket wrench, if your vehicle is so equipped. Loosen the adjusting bolts for the alternator, and detach the drive belts.

3

Detach the wiring harness on the apron of the right front fender. Place a wooden block on the floor jack to serve as a cushion, and support the engine with the floor jack. Disconnect the through-bolt from the right engine mount with a socket wrench.

4

Raise the engine slightly with the floor jack, so you can access the pulley for the water pump. Disconnect the pulley with a socket wrench, and lower the engine. Use masking tape to label the spark plug wires. Remove the spark plugs and valve cover.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench to align the timing marks. Align the crankshaft marks at zero; look through the oil filler hole on the pulley and make sure you can see the hole in the end of the camshaft. Remove the timing belt covers and front engine cover with a socket wrench.

6

Disconnect the guide for the timing belt with a socket wrench, and loosen the mounting bolt for the idler pulley. Pull the idler pulley as far to the left as possible, and tighten the mounting bolt to hold the idler pulley in place temporarily. Detach the timing belt from its pulleys.

7

Hold the idler pulley in your hands, and ensure that it turns freely. Replace the idler pulley if it makes any noise when you spin it.

8

Measure the free length of the tension spring. This length should be 1.453 inches for the 1.6-liter engine and 1.252 inches for the 1.8-liter engine. Measure the springs from the inside faces of the hooks. Replace the tension spring if it has stretched.

9

Grip the hexagonal head of the camshaft with a wrench, and remove the mounting bolt for the crankshaft pulley. Remove the pulley from the crankshaft. Turn the camshaft pulley clockwise with a hex wrench to align the knock pin on the camshaft with the corresponding groove on the camshaft pulley. Perform this step only if your vehicle has a 1.6-liter engine.

10

Hold the crankshaft pulley so the flange faces towards the crankshaft. Align the key on the crankshaft with the groove on the crankshaft pulley, and slide the pulley onto the crankshaft. Fasten the mounting bolt for the pulley, and hold the camshaft in place with a hex wrench. Tighten the mounting bolt for the crankshaft pulley to 43 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

11

Install the idler pulley and its tension spring. Fasten the mounting bolt for the pulley by hand, and push the pulley to the left as far as possible. Tighten the bolt temporarily with a socket wrench. Turn the camshaft clockwise to align the hole on the camshaft pulley with the mark on the bearing cap. Turn the crankshaft clockwise so that the groove on the crankshaft pulley points straight up.

12

Install the new timing belt to the crankshaft pulley, and attach the guide for the timing belt so the cup of the belt faces outward. Connect the number 1 timing cover, and tighten its mounting bolts to 65 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Align the groove on the crankshaft pulley with the zero mark on the number 1 timing belt cover.

13

Turn the crankshaft pulley two full turns clockwise, and align its timing marks again. Tighten the mounting bolt for the idler pulley to 27 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Adjust the tension on the timing belt by turning the tensioner with a socket wrench. The deflection of the timing belt should be between 0.20 and 0.24 inches when you place 4.4 pounds of pressure in the middle of the longest belt span.

14

Install the number 2 and number 3 timing belt covers with a socket wrench. Torque the mounting bolts for the timing belt covers to 65 inch pounds with a torque wrench. Torque the mounting bolt for the crankshaft pulley to 87 foot-pounds.

15

Complete the timing belt installation by performing steps one through four in reverse order.

Two important parts control the engine of your car or truck. One is the gear drive, which controls the gear that the vehicle is in and allows you to easily change it. The other is a timing chain. The timing chain is what ensures that the parts of the engine run in harmony.

Gear Drive

A gear drive is a circular piece of steel that has notches or ridges carved out of it. Most vehicles have several of them that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. They attach to the engine by a belt, which controls the gear based on which one you select while driving. Gear drives are present on all transmission types, whether they are automatic or manual.

Timing Chain

When the timing chain on your engine breaks, your engine will not start. On older vehicles, the chain is near the valves, but on newer models, it is farther away. A timing chain is made of steel and connects to the valves and pistons, keeping the engine running properly, or "in time."

Fun Fact

The very first timing belt was designed for use in a sewing machine. It was invented in 1946 by Richard Case.