Removal and Installation Tips and Hints (Maintenance)

TIMING BELT REMOVAL
- Prior to removing the timing belt, inspect all drive belts. Since the drive belts will need to be removed to replace the timing belt it would be convenient to have any necessary replacement belts on hand should any the drive belts show excessive wear.

- After the timing belt covers are removed, verify the camshaft and crankshaft are properly aligned.

- Verify that all timing belt cover gaskets and inspection hole covers are intact. Any missing gaskets or covers could allow moisture and debris to enter the covers and damage the belt.

NOTE: In cold climates, any moisture which enters the covers may eventually freeze on the timing belt or between the belt and the pulley, resulting in the belt skipping teeth.

- When removing the engine mount, Slightly raise the engine with a floor jack. This will take the weight of the engine off of engine mount bolts and will ease in removal.

CAUTION: Never apply the lifting surface of the floor jack directly to the oil pan. Use a block of wood or other soft material to prevent puncturing the oil pan.

TIMING BELT INSTALLATION
- When positioning or removing the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys, do not grasp the teeth of the pulleys with pliers or any other metal object.

CAUTION: Any nick or burr left on the pulleys may result in premature belt failure.

- When installing the timing belt:
- Do not use any device to pry the belt over a pulley
- Do not lubricate the pulleys with any type of fluid or penetrating oil to ease in slipping the belt on.




- Always install the belt such that the initial slack is on the tensioner side of the pulleys. If any slack is left on the opposite side, when the tensioner is released the pulleys will turn and the belt alignment will be incorrect.

- After installing and tensioning the belt, recheck the alignment of the camshafts and crankshaft.