[Mathster]

Well, first it didn't break

I changed the timing belt on my daughter 01 Xterra today. all day job, but I got it wrapped up mostly.
I thought I would start it to make sure everything was good. Just for a few seconds was all I wanted. it turns over, but no start. :sickly:
Someone tell me its because I dont have any coolant in it at the moment and this is a "feature" that was added.

 

[roastbeef]

you sure you looped it right?

 

[Mathster]

put the arrow pointing front and lined up the while lines on the belt with timing marks on the pulleys.

 

[Mathster]

well, apparently, I wasn't as lined up as I thought... with the cam lined up, I noticed the crank was three teeth off..
It only took me four hours today, unlike the 9 hours yesterday.

Im getting faster. its running tho.

thanks for the sympathy.

 

[Jordo]

Glad it all worked out.

 

[Clint]

well, apparently, I wasn't as lined up as I thought... with the cam lined up, I noticed the crank was three teeth off..
It only took me four hours today, unlike the 9 hours yesterday.

Im getting faster. its running tho.

thanks for the sympathy.

good to know it's running.

Clint

 

[nutsandboldts05]

This thread makes me think the timing belt is easy to replace yourself, all the others had me thinking otherwise. So are there lines on the pulley's and the belt to line everything up for proper timing? Or is it actually harder then that? I've never done timing, but I do almost all my other work. I would much rather do this myself and save some money if I could do this job myself.

 

[TwoBills]

The cam and crank gears have dimples which line up with white marks on the belt. There are lineup marks, for the cam gears, on the back plate, also. The one glitch I ran into was there wasn't a mark on the oil pump, as stated in the DSM, to line up the crank gear dimple. Just make sure the cams are set right and #1 piston is at tdc. You'll find the crank gear will be 1/2 tooth off. Gotta move the gear to get the belt on. I think I moved mine to the btdc position. Not sure, tho. Pretty straight forward. Make sure you have a puller for the crank pully (Auto Zone loaner).

 

[Mathster]

I think it really is that easy. I dummyed up and assumed nothing moved, but managed to get off a bit.

 

[massbaster]

This thread makes me think the timing belt is easy to replace yourself, all the others had me thinking otherwise. So are there lines on the pulley's and the belt to line everything up for proper timing? Or is it actually harder then that? I've never done timing, but I do almost all my other work. I would much rather do this myself and save some money if I could do this job myself.

it can be done and is not that tough,

here are a few things that made it easier.

1.) a friend or extra set of hands is nice.
2.) impact wrench
3.) a belt wrench(got mine from sears.)
4.) line everything up first based on crankshaft. then when the camshaft timing cover is off replace the crankshaft pulley and verify all markings. just remember that the pulley can and should be replaced to verify at anytime.
5.) the pulley needs to be gripped where the meat is the greatest. it chips easily. BE CAREFUL. if it is not rusted on, it should just off. IT IS NOT A COMPRESSED FIT, simply a keyed chuck. once mine was off with a pulley, i could put it back on and off with only my hands.
6.)KEEP ORGANIZED. some bolts go to specific locations. important to not mix up.

the first time i did it i milked it with my brother for 1/2 day on sat and 1/2 day on sunday.

the second time i did it i had it done in 4 hours including a sparkplug wire change.

take your time, be organized and follow the book when in doubt.