akafixture

I have always been concerned with doing a timing belt on my cars. I usually take them in to get it done. I just finished replacing my starter and it wasnt all that bad to do, just alot of connections to take apart. The timing belt kits are not bad, at most $200+-. Should I do this DIY?

I have pulled engines (other cars, not my Lexus), installed turbos and installed fuel managment systems. Just for some reason I am a little concerned about this DIY.

Thoughts?

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

The only part you have to be careful about is making sure nothing moves when you remove the timing belt and lining up the timing marks when you install. If you are careful its all just nuts and bolts. Make sure you read all the details (from a shop manual or other credible source) carefully and don't forget anything.

KingNasGS4

iTrader: (22)

Gs3 or gs4 ?

akafixture

Its on my GS4

gsean400

Theres Nothing to be concerned about... If you mess up all that would happen is your not easily rebuildable engine would need to be replaced and you would be out almost triple what u would have paid at a shop.

Just get it done at a shop and let them worry about the problem if they mess up. I tackle all problems myself but i would not mess with a timing belt.

LALEX1

iTrader: (22)

I've done the timing belt. It's not that difficult. More intimidating than anything.
Here's my advice. Since you will most likely be replacing camshaft seals and the crankshaft seal. Make sure you keep the timing belt on while loosening up the crankshaft/camshaft bolts. That way it will be much more difficult to spin the cams or crank independently. Loosen the bolts, then remove the timing belt. Everything will stay lined up and you will be fine. Also, manually turn the crank a couple times once the belt is back on to make sure that nothing is hitting internally. If it spins fine, you should be in the clear.

Get it done once, and you will never be afraid of it again.

Fromthesha

Do it! But read up! Timing belts always suck up a full day for me. I have done a few, the worst being a v6 probe back in 1998. i was leaning on the knowledge I gained from my chevette timing belt job and it wasn't enough. Id say get all the seals you can and do everything all at once. Good luck!

realkrs

Changing a belt isn't difficult but depending on the car the job can be made tediously long because of the need to remove and/or relocate all of the things that are in the way.

Be sure to clean off all (ALL!) gaskets and sealing materials before installing the new ones or it's almost guaranteed to leak. It really sucks to have gone through all that's needed to do the job only to see oil or coolant dripping out after the first few minutes of running. You have to either accept the leak or go back and do the job over again.

marshun

do it. its not hard. just takes time.