Oro

This coming weekend I am changing the timing belt on a 2002 ES300.

I have done a very similar change once before on a 1998 Acura SLX, so I'm reasonably confident. One question is unclear after reading some other threads and a "how to" on another web site. What is the easiest way to get the water pump out? One said to take the left camshaft out, another sight said to use a stud extractor on the long pump studs. However, that was the same motor in an RX300, so the space/clearances may be different.

Any other tips or BTDT greatly appreciated.

hzt30

I did this on my 2002 and did not take any cam sprockets off. I used the two nut system to remove the long water pump studs. You could also use a vise grip if you so desire.

speedkar9

Those studs will be difficult to get off. When I was doing the job on my ES330, the double nut method didn't work. I ended up removing the front cam sprocket and the 6 bolts holding timing cover # 3 on and rotating it about the rear cam shaft to allow the water pump to pull away from the engine. I didn't have any issues with the water-pump clearing the inner fender, seems like that's only on the RX.

I also recently did a timing belt / water pump job on my 1MZ-FE Solara. Since I was doing cam-seals, I had to take off timing cover # 3 anyways, and the water-pump cleared the inner fender.

Skip over to 7:08 in my video to watch the water pump removal:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c_a-ECaWSU


There's a good writeup in this thread for reference:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...ls-part-i.html

Oro

OK, thanks for the insight, that clears thins up a bit.

I'll try soaking the studs w/Kroil, some heat, then the double-nut removal. I don't have a stud extractor and it's a pricey one-time tool. If that fails I'll take the cam out. Good to have the proceedure in mind before starting so I don't get tripped up and go seek help mid-job, really want it all done in one day. Thanks again.

speedkar9

What method are you using to remove the crank shaft and cam shaft bolts? Any plans to do the cam/crank seals? Those are the two things that will take you the most time especially if your not prepared.

Oro

I have access to a cam locker if needed for them. For the crank, I will wrap and reverse the old serp. belt on the crank and secure to a frame fitting. I have removed crank bolts before with that technique and it works admirably.

I don't plan to replace the seals unless leaking - I do have them in case I need to.