deanbrown

Couple of questions on the 96 timing belt: What's the best way to inspect it, and is it usually obvious when it needs to be replaced? I mean, if it looks as new with no teeth missing or significant cracks, should one just leave it for another 20K miles and check again then?

My 225K miles has seen it changed at 70K and then again at 140K, so I've got 85K on it since the last change (which was at the dealer - though I am planning to do it myself this time).

Cheers,
Dean

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

....timing belts arelisted at every 90k miles...

randal

Inspections of the TB are, IMO, a waste of time. You would have to remove one or both upper cam pulley covers to get a look which is not a big deal. But, sight alone would be very questionable to assess the actual condition. It might look fine but be ready to go soon. So, just go by mileage (90k) and change at those intervals.

Now, it is quite possible that your water pump could seize up and that will instantly trash the belt. So, be very concerned about the age of the pump. Perhaps more so than the belt (they should be changed at the same time). In either case, you have an interference fit engine and serious damage can occur if the belt breaks.
When was the last time the WP was changed?

deanbrown

Still the original water pump. Is that the same pulley as the fan clutch?

randal

No. The fan clutch attaches to the fan bracket assembly and is driven by the serpentine (accessory) belt. The water pump is driven by the backside (smooth side) of the timing belt. So, if the pump seizes with the engine running, the TB will burn up in fairly short order.

I would plan on a new water pump when you do the timing belt. You have to take the timing belt off to get to the water pump. So while in there, you might as well replace the pump. Its good insurance.

There are tutorials on how to do this.

deanbrown

Ok will do the pump.

The only tutorial I ever saw was for the '94. Is there one specifically for the 95/96?

bmoore

Not that I've found. But the notes I posted earlier today have the only substantive changes between the 1st gen and 2nd gen. I used the lexls.com guide and a 2 day subscription to TIS.

randal

Here's one on the 98. Bet its pretty close. Anyway, between the 90-94 tutorial and this one, you should be able to figure yours out. Then you can do a 95/96 tut!

remove -> http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/...7622883357340/

install -> http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/...7622886015670/

deanbrown

Excellent links - never saw them till now. Great pics there.

Thanks

Dean

deanbrown

I'd happily pay your flight to come up to Princeton! We have a spare room

deanbrown

Yep HH is the place to be, at 2am!

But Old World Pizza next door - now it's $2.70 a slice, but the best slice in town!

I am 4m north - just off Canal Road. (Old Georgetown, if you know it).

ps Anything I can help you with at the same time? So far I am highly experienced in front drivers side upper control arms! lol