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Well, I think if it was just doing a cam-belt, tensioner, idlers, thermostat and water pump - it might be a reasonable DIY task. Well, I got down to the open timing belt, ready to install the new kit and there was oil everywhere. The very back camshaft seal was leaking. So I tried to replace both seals on the rear set of cams. First, according to the manual I have, it said not to reuse the cam pulley bolts. These are a bugger to find, especially on a holiday weekend. Then the cam seals. I ended ruining 4 of 6 seals I purchased. I was able to get them out OK but don't have a seal installer. I tried using the cam sprocket to drive them in part way but it caved the seal in a bit. I tried a socket as a drift and it somehow cut the seal's face. I tried using the old seal as an installer - no good. I ended up getting some PVC from Home Depot a made a make-shift seal installer. Anyway, I spent 4-5 hours calling around and then driving long distances for parts. I'm 2 days into it and still not done. The cam-belt is installed but as luck would have it, my digital torque wrench died. I need to torque the tensioner and idler bolts. Then put it all back together. I used to love hanging over and under a vehicle but now in my middle 50's and arthritis, I think this one I should have hired it out. The $1200 - $1400 quotes scared me. Like I said, if the seals were not bad on the cams, I think a full day would have got it apart and back together. Also, I bought the Gates brand timing kit which included a new bracket. If I were to do over, I would have bought the kit without the bracket. I see no reason to change the bracket and it takes extra time. If you are doing this job, buy the idlers, tensioner and belt in a kit. Then the water pump and thermostat if you really want to have fun (not). Take note on the position of each idler before you remove them. I've found that the new ones ended up in the same relative positions as the old ones. Thanks Swedecar for the advise. What a lousy way to spend the long weekend. And Monday (tomorrow) another few hours to finish it up. Oh, and buy a new torque wrench too.
posted by 50.137.39...
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