Thread: Stupid Timing Belt = Destroys my day off

So Thursday, I'm driving up to Bass Lake... and all of sudden, my car won't go any more. I pull over and the car is still running, but I turned it off. Popped the hood, and the damn timing belt cover is cracked open and there are pieces of timing belt stuck in the cracks... WTF. I just had the damn thing replaced 5000 miles ago with new everything. Well, that was 5000 miles ago and 2000 miles away in Illinois, so it doesn't matter. I was thinking about pulling the motor out, replace the clutch, pull the head off and see what the hell happened. Anyone wanna take a guess on how bad it's messed up? Anyone around here ever done their own timing belt? Any suggestions on which shop, or which place to get a working head from? A polished one would be nice...I know jack about these cars... well, a little more than jack, but I have plenty of mechanical experience... but mostly on rotaries, so I'm a bit apprehensive.

Any pointers, guesses, suggestions?

BTW, its a 1990 Talon AWD 5-speed with 68,000 miles on it.

Thanks

I'm sure I bent valves too. This may sound stupid... but I was looking over the procedures to yank the engine, and it doesn't seem too bad really. Is this something that can be done with the engine in? I have big hands and have always found it easier to do stuff with the motor out... despite the extra labor. Plus, I can easily change the clutch at that time too... Is that stupid to do?

Nick

If the motor was still running, I wouldn't automatically assume you lost the timing belt. Maybe the balance shaft belt wasn't replaced along with the timing belt?

Originally Posted by Kurgan

Is this something that can be done with the engine in?

Yes, you can take the head off without removing the block. I would definetly inspect your crank sproket and balance shaft/oil pump sproket while your replacing things. 5000 miles on a new belt shouldn't = a busted timing belt. Something wasn't aligned correctly. Since your "mechanically experienced", just follow the VFAQ's instructions and post questions here. It's pretty easy to do yourself, and a number of us have done it many times to answer any questions you may have.

Manny

a f*cking monkey could do it. like manny said just follow the vfaq's and youll be fine. i would replace *everything* that has to do with the timing belt if i were you. tensioner, belts, pulleys etc. might as well do it right this time since they didnt do it right last time.

Originally Posted by OldDirtyNoSeven

Sell me you car!!!!!


I will take good care of it!!

PROMISE!!!


Is it black?

lol what do you know about cars haha