I got my Haynes Repair Manual for instructions on timing belt removal. In section 2A-7, the book clearly shows an outer timing belt guide, a crankshaft sprocket, and mounting stud for the crankshaft pulley and sproket; however, when I removed the bolt from the pulley, the pulley fell off with the guide and sprocket attached. There is no mounting stud.
If I have to reinstall the c/s pulley before reinstalling the belt, it will make it almost impossible to tighten the belt and reinstall the timing belt cover.
What is happening here? Am I missing something?

Thanks

 

First, you do not have to reinstall the crankshaft pulley before insalling the timing belt. Actually, I've found the best way to install a timing belt (having completed about my 4th install yesterday) is to first have your cams and crank all aligned. You should actually do this before removing the old belt. Install the new belt around the cams then, pull the crankshaft sprocket about 1-1.5 inches from the oil pump and install the belt around the crank sprocket. Then, as you push the crank sprocket back in place, against the oil pump (there should actually be a metal plate between the crank sprocket and oil pump), then you should be able to push the belt onto the tensioner by hand (if the tensioner is set right). Then, you follow instructions on how to properly set the tensioner.

However, as much help as this will be for you at some point, it doesn't sound like it exactly answers your emediate question. This is a situation where a picture would be really helpful. Are you saying that the crankshaft "snout" that the crankshaft timing sprocket and crankshaft pulley is not there? Please clarify.

 

What you said is what I understood the process to be; however, that all changed when the sprocket came off attached to the pulley. Perhaps it is welded to it through use. I have pictures but I must not be authorized to upload them because I don't see anyway to do it.

I'm going to try to separate them without causing damage since it appears they shouldn't be together.

 

--->http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=377037

 

ok are you talking about the half moon "key" that's on the crank itself? it's a small piece that sometimes just falls out when you pull the crank off. there's one on the crank pulley and there's one on the crank gear (timing belt rides on).

another thing...
when i pulled my crank pulley the crank gear was very very difficult to take out. if you're telling us that it just fell out w/ the crank pulley upon removal of the bolt then i'm going to ask if the crank shaft snout is still attached to the crank shaft itself on the engine?

 

That is exactly what happened. I had my prybar ready to go and everything just fell to the floor. Should have been difficult to remove with belt around it. There is no snout on the crankshaft. The belt was not broken.

Thanks for the help with the pictures, hopefully they will help explain what happened.

 

Ruhroh..

your crankshaft broke dood..

Either replace the crankshaft,or replace the engine..

 

Wow, that is what I was afraid you were saying, but I figured I simply had it all wrong! I gather it had to have broke during removal.

I have a VG block and crank. But, if it were me, I'd just replace the engine. (Shameless plug) I've got a great VG engine that has about 100k miles on it. Purrs like a Kitten, never abused. Don't know how close you are, I would be willing to meet you. I'd be willing to drive a couple hours. I'm in Upper East TN. I think someone else has one in Florida for sale. Check the 4 Sale forums.

 

I can install..

 

Not a very convincing mechanic. You can't install springs without knocking your head off.



J/K! I know, I deserve a


Apologies Obi-won.

 

 

lookin at the pic, i think its possible the pistons hit the valves, or am i wrong?
if it broke while the engine was spinnin' its almost a sure thing.

did the engine run b4 you started this, delman?

 

Either way,imho it's not worth pulling the engine out,spending all the time/$$/effort to replace the crank,reinstall the engine,then hope it didn't beat the valves to pieces..the availability of j-yard vg engines is quite high in most areas,not to mention easy on the pocket book,hell i have a spare vg engine(110k) i would let go for $100..

 

Thanks all for the help. I was afraid it was broken. The car started, I started backing out of the garage, it went dead, that was it. I guess it was time, 218K. I will be looking for an engine because the body and interior is in good shape.

$100 for a 110k engine sounds good.

 

Yup,all your valves are smashed..

pm me if you want the engine..