Well I'm knee deep into this job. 2000 PF with 3.3 but may apply to 3.5 also?
I'm hoping some of you that have been through this can offer some knowledge.
For starters, I can't see how the upper timing cover can come out with an AC pipe in the way which prevents the cover from pulling far enough away from the engine to clear the gear.
I hope someone has the answer and I hope to post some tips for others when I'm done.
Timing belt replacement tps & tricks
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Brian VT
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:07 am
- Car: 2000 Pathfinder bought at 110k miles 9/26/16
Re: Timing belt replacement tps & tricks
The timing cover bolts have thick rubber "washers" that are toast.
Should I go to a dealer for OEM or would rubber o-rings be a suitable replacement? If so, what type of rubber?
Should I go to a dealer for OEM or would rubber o-rings be a suitable replacement? If so, what type of rubber?
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Brian VT
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:07 am
- Car: 2000 Pathfinder bought at 110k miles 9/26/16
Re: Timing belt replacement tps & tricks
I went as far as I felt comfortable. I toook out radiator, belts, brackets, etc., to make it easiest for my buddy to just do the smart part. I got all the way up to removing the timing covers and crank pulley.
My buddy showed up tonight and did the smart part.
It took him an hour to do everything beyond that and back to where I had it, including the water pump.
After watching him I'm glad I didn't attempt it. I could have gotten it done, but it would have probably taken me a whole day and the water pump might have leaked after I got it all back together.
He used an air tool to refinish the mating surface of the pump. I would have maybe hit it with a Scotch-Brite and hoped for the best. He said there's good chance it would have leaked.
So I don't have many tips. To get the upper timing cover out he bent the AC pipe gently to get enough room.
The rest of it I still wouldn't want to do myself. I enjoy the work when I know what I'm doing, even if I'm slow, but once inside the timing covers it's just too risky for my blood. My best to those that go it alone.
My buddy showed up tonight and did the smart part.
It took him an hour to do everything beyond that and back to where I had it, including the water pump.
After watching him I'm glad I didn't attempt it. I could have gotten it done, but it would have probably taken me a whole day and the water pump might have leaked after I got it all back together.
He used an air tool to refinish the mating surface of the pump. I would have maybe hit it with a Scotch-Brite and hoped for the best. He said there's good chance it would have leaked.
So I don't have many tips. To get the upper timing cover out he bent the AC pipe gently to get enough room.
The rest of it I still wouldn't want to do myself. I enjoy the work when I know what I'm doing, even if I'm slow, but once inside the timing covers it's just too risky for my blood. My best to those that go it alone.
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Brian VT
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:07 am
- Car: 2000 Pathfinder bought at 110k miles 9/26/16
Re: Timing belt replacement tps & tricks
Tip: He used a mirror and a flashlight to see the timing mark on the bottom of the crank and belt.
I only knew about the timing mark on the crank pulley and pointer but there is one on the bottom of the crank that lines up with the stripe on the belt.
I only knew about the timing mark on the crank pulley and pointer but there is one on the bottom of the crank that lines up with the stripe on the belt.
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Brian VT
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:07 am
- Car: 2000 Pathfinder bought at 110k miles 9/26/16
Re: Timing belt replacement tps & tricks
Tip: Leave the spark plugs in.
He said that he likes to rotate the crank manually with the plugs in (it's not hard) after a new belt install and feel the compression in each cylinder to confirm that all is well.
He said that he likes to rotate the crank manually with the plugs in (it's not hard) after a new belt install and feel the compression in each cylinder to confirm that all is well.