Timing Belt Change

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  • #1

    Timing Belt Change

    Hi All!

    I am due for a timing belt change. I can easily bring it to a shop, and have them do it, however part of the reason I bought a Z was because there is so much knowledge out there that I should be able to learn my way through a lot of things that I need to do.

    That being said, here is my "plea" for help.

    Over the last couple of days, I have done extensive searching about timing belt changes. I've looked here, on ctzcc, and briefly on Zcar, and Z driver. I've found bits and pieces of great information, but haven't found that one SOLID write up that I can follow step by step.

    I've also found lists of things to change, lists of things not to change. etc etc.

    SO, does anyone know of a complete write up for "dummies" like myself?

    I appreciate any and all the help I can get.
  • #2
    download the Factory Service Manual
    can be found on z31.com I think..
    it has everything and anything you'll need to know.
    any further questions after reading it, I'll be glad to help you.
    http://z31performance.com/showthread…2-2-(-now-NA2T
    My build thread (:
  • #3
    http://www.xenonz31.com/timingbelt.html
    5.3 LSx Z31
  • #4
    yup, got the FSM and the haynes.

    I guess question one is how much should I switch while I'm working in there?
  • #5
    les_joey_paul;322476 wrote: download the Factory Service Manual
    can be found on z31.com I think..
    it has everything and anything you'll need to know.
    any further questions after reading it, I'll be glad to help you.
    Do you know where I can get the parts listed there?
  • #6
    If you're doing the timing belt change, do everything you possibly can while you're in there.

    1988 300zxt. gt35, stance, etc. Wheels: Varrstoen ES2 18x9.5 et-13 225/40. 18x10.5 et0 245/40
    1990 jetta vr6'd
  • #7
    I suggest using courtesyparts.com
    I did the timing belt and heads in mine.
    new timing belt and tensioner, new coolant temp sensor and subharness, new camshaft seals, new dust seals for timing covers.
    if you can pull the crank gear( woodriff key) off then do the front main seal and oil pump seals.
    also would be a good time to replace radiator hoses if they are bad,
    I think that covers most of the front of the engine stuff,

    your belt didn't break, did it?
    otherwise you'll be in for much more work.
    http://z31performance.com/showthread…2-2-(-now-NA2T
    My build thread (:
  • #8
    also check your drive belts and replace as necessary.
    most things in these ccars are ready to be replaced by now, anyway lol.
    http://z31performance.com/showthread…2-2-(-now-NA2T
    My build thread (:
  • #9
    Just as everyone else has emphasized replace it all while you are there. Once you dig into to it, it will make sense why do it now than later.

    1988 Nissan 300zx (Improving it one day at a time)
  • #10
    remove crank pulley
    remove timing covers
    align the timing marks
    remove timing belt
    remove crank sprocket to access crank seal (you might need to buy a new crank sprocket)
    replace crank seal
    replace water pump
    replace thermostat with OEM
    remove cam gears
    replace cam seals
    replace coolant temperature sensor
    put back all the parts
    put the timing belt back on
    put new accessory belts
    put new vacuum lines
    put hoses back on
    fill with coolant

    and put new ignition components if you havent.

    you're looking at about 4 to 7 hours of work depending on how much care or how many tools you have and how experienced you are, and you're looking at about 150-300 bucks depending on how many things you want to replace or clean up and paint, etc.
  • #11
    Belt did not break. Recently purchased the car, drove it home 1.5 hrs, no problems.

    I guess I should have said that the car has 79K, FWIW.

    I do believe drive belts have been replaced. Unless the stock ones were green too.

    Please allow for some stupid questions:

    1) Front bumper coming off is a must, correct?
    2) What are "dust seals for timing covers"
    3) What is the crank gear? How about the front main seal/oil pump seals? Is that awfully close to the cam shaft pulley?

    Hopefully these diagrams help.

    http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/84…c5f81.png.html

    http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/84…514a6.png.html
  • #12
    i r teh noobz;322477 wrote: http://www.xenonz31.com/timingbelt.html
    THIS (stupid 10 character post limit)
    Black 1985 na/coupe brought back from the dead.
    2000 frontier for work.
    2004 PT Cruiser for gettin' grocery's.
  • #13
    front bumper can stay on. when.you remove the timing cover there is a thin seal that's between the cover and back plate.
    And you'll have to pull the crank pully off, once it's off you'll see the gear.
    http://z31performance.com/showthread…2-2-(-now-NA2T
    My build thread (:
  • #14
    The gear was a total pain to remove on my 88. I ended up drilling and tapping it for a steering wheel puller. I ordered a new one through NAPA for about 30 bucks.
    5.3 LSx Z31
  • #15
    Les_joey_paul thank you. in this link: http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/84…c5f81.png.html is the crankshaft gear you're talking about labeled crankshaft timing pulley?

    Drilling and tapping like this guy?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD3G50oufM4[/video]]


    Not to sound like an a**, this is a serious question. is this "necessary" for a z with 79k? What's the purpose of replacing the crankshaft timing pulley? Is it known to lose teeth? Or is it solely to replace the front main seal and oil pump seals?

    Appreciate it.
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