Pulled timing covers, what a mess! Oil all over timing belt.

[240z4u]

Blah, pulled everything apart to replace the front main seal which is not THAT big of a deal honestly. Everything went well until I found out how much oil was all over everything.

The belt is VERY oily. Is this a must-replace situation? good news is that I never replaced it when I did the swap so its not new.

I have to put this back together today, no getting around that. Ill clean everything out and put it back together with the new seal.

I figure Ill wait until spring to do the belt, and in the meanwhile Ill make sure the oil leak does not come back.

I cleaned it up before thinking to take photos, sorry guys.

Evan

[l0nestar]

I'm an idiot.
Modified by l0nestar at 5:00 PM 11/26/2007

[l0nestar]

Not that I really needed any pics to imagine the image, just interested to see it!

[Darius]

I wouldnt think oil would have any negative chemical affects on the belt, but you've got such a kickass motor that I would just replace it when you get a chance. There is a higher likelihood that the belt could skip a tooth when it is oily and a little worn/stretched from age.

How did the oil seal change go? Did you end up doing anything to the crank to clean it or polish it for a better seal?

[240z4u]

Okay, pull the front cover off your motor and spray everything with dirty motor oil LOL. Thats about it.

The lip was folded on the seal, I rotated the crank and the mating surface looked good.

Actually, if I had not spent so much time cleaning up I could have done it in about 5 hours. Not a bad project really.

I used the timing gear to press the seal most of the way into place. Worked VERY well. I had to massage it back a hair more but all in all I think its fine.

Thanks - Evan

BTW, not sure how long it was oily but I had to scrub the cam gears with a toothbrush to get them clean. I also cleaned and rinsed the timing belt.

Ill go ahead and do timing belt this spring I think.

[Carl H]

as per nissan manual the timing belt should be replaced if it gets oil or water fouled...i would do it, oil does nasty things to rubber.

[240z4u]

Yeah, the more I think about it the more I think spring is too late to do it. Ill prob wait till I can get some extra coin for a belt and idlers/tensioner and waterpump so I hopefully won't have to go in there again anytime soon.

Evan