Well, I finally got this done after two days of knuckle-busting and throwing wrenches. This was my first timing belt swap and it wasn't too difficult, just time consuming. The old belt didn't look too bad but my front oil seal blew out and was leaking oil like a sieve so I decided to do everything at once. Installed a new timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, and crank and cam seals. I took my time and cleaned everything really well (used 4 big cans of Gumout!) I changed the plugs, oil, and filter while I was in there too. The car runs awesome now and does not leak a drop of ANYTHING. I have replaced just about everything on this car now and have over $4000 into it...ugh. It has 201K miles on the original motor but it drives like a new car, except for the suspension. If anyone needs help doing their timing belt, let me know and I'll try to help.

-Jeremy

 

This goes to show how well these cars are built and how well the engine if kept up properly can last over the 200,000 mile mark. Good job! Thats alot in two days so you really hooked it. Most of that wouldve taken shops days, weeks, possibly a month to do.

 

Jeremy, sounds like you had a lot of fun getting this done.

I want to know how you got that cam seal installed on the R.H. cylinder head assembly? Did you have some special tool? There is hardly any room to work on that side.

My right side cam seal is probably leaking again now. I can see oil from that location. Did the job 2 years ago, and that seal was hard to install, I guess I damaged it. So I better replace it soon before this causes me more trouble.

TIA, Al


Well, I finally got this done after two days of knuckle-busting and throwing wrenches. This was my first timing belt swap and it wasn't too difficult, just time consuming. The old belt didn't look too bad but my front oil seal blew out and was leaking oil like a sieve so I decided to do everything at once. Installed a new timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, and crank and cam seals. I took my time and cleaned everything really well (used 4 big cans of Gumout!) I changed the plugs, oil, and filter while I was in there too. The car runs awesome now and does not leak a drop of ANYTHING. I have replaced just about everything on this car now and have over $4000 into it...ugh. It has 201K miles on the original motor but it drives like a new car, except for the suspension. If anyone needs help doing their timing belt, let me know and I'll try to help.

-Jeremy [/B][/QUOTE]

 

I have a question, was that the original water pump that was on the car? If not, do you know when that water pump was put on it? I'm just wondering how long these water pumps typically last (in terms of mileage).

-C-

 

Al - The cam seals were a *****, don't get me wrong. In fact, I nicked the cam on the firewall side of the motor when I was prying out the old one. I took some fine sandpaper and carefully sanded the nick/burr out of the cam as best I could. After that, I could run my finger over the cam and it was nice and smooth again. To get the cam sprockets off, you have to use a screwdriver in one hand to keep it still and a ratchet in the other to break the nut loose. It's difficult but doable and make sure you tighten the nuts at least as tight as they were when you removed the sprocket!

Charles - the water pump was not original nor was the thermostat. The pump I yanked out was the exact same brand as the new replacement unit I bought at Kragen. I believe the brand was TEG or something like that. Believe it or not, I had already replaced the cylinder head temp sensor before WITHOUT removing the timing belt covers. Don't ask me how I did it but it is possible.

Anyway, if you guys need help don't hesitate to ask. I've pretty much gone through this whole car now and I've also replaced a 5-speed and auto tranny between the two separate 87 SE's I've owned. Broken exhaust studs, fuel injectors, fuel pump, regulator, rear main seal, oil pan gasket, motor mounts, etc. I've been through hell with these cars but that's because the previous owners neglected them. Had an 87 SE 5-speed I gave to my little brother for his 16th b-day; then I had a 93 SE 5-speed and sold it because the VTCs were starting to go out again and it was using oil; now I just have the 87 SE auto and I'm keeping this one, although I wish I'd kept the 5-speed instead

 

Hey, you wanna help me on my turbo 88 project?

 

jdonavich.....what state are u in?

 

I'm in San Jose, CA. If you're in my area, give me a call and we can have a shop session.