Timing Belt Change - 03 Turbo Cruiser

[duffner]

Has anyone ever changed the timing belt? I'm not a professional mechanic but have done much more than the normal joe on cars. Sounds like much stuff to move out of the way? The only item I have never done is discharge the AC system and not sure about supporting engine while removing mount bolt (just haven't seen it). Is this a job for Chrysler (I hope not) or should I attempt myself?

Thanks - Duff

[Cartman]

the timing belt change is a pretty involved process. You could do it with some patience and care. the procedure for aligning everything gets tricky. If you feel confident, you could attempt it. Frankly with all that is invoved Id take it do the so-called experts and let them handle it, at least then youd have a part and labor warranty you wouldnt have if you did it and boogered something up (on accident of course )

[slartyblarfast]

I do'em for a living. If you are pretty mechanically inclined then go for it. If not don't think about doing it. It is a rather complicated deal and is made harder with the turbo and different axles. On the N/A engine you can just about jack the engine out of the car. The turbo hits the pass axle and it leaves you about and inch shy of making the job a WHOLE lot easier.... Get a water pump done at the same time. Cheap insurance.

[Cal Cruzer]

They are a real PITA...which also makes them expensive. Still, I would rather pay someone to do it these days.

[notnowles]

Originally Posted by Cal Cruzer

They are a real PITA...which also makes them expensive. Still, I would rather pay someone to do it these days.

I have an 00 Stratus and an 01 PT, both with 110K on their original water pumps and timing belts.

I work on imports for a living. Have done lotsa timing belts but never on this engine.

What tools are essential for this job? Information I have read says I need a high dollar tool to hold the cams and another to set belt tension. Is this accurate?

I have a generic Lisle cam holder for DOHC engines, but not anything specially intended for Chrysler engines.

I am hoping to do these before they let go, so presumably I wouldn't need to "set" cam timing, but would need to "maintain" it.

Any thoughts, hints, advice would be appreciated.

Thanks very much!

[slartyblarfast]

You should be ok with the generic tool. I'll give you a tip. Set the engine to the timing marks. When you put the new belt on start at the crank and get the belt tight on the intake cam. Turn the exhaust cam slightly clockwise and then put the belt on and tighten across the cams and then go down to the crank and set tension. Did that make sense? Also it's gonna be a SOB to get the cast iron mount on the front of the engine. On a N/A engine you can just about jack the engine out of the compartment. On a turbo the drivers half shaft hits the frame and you end up about an inch shy of being able to get the mount out. I find that a lot of cussing and a BIG pry bar is helpful. One more thing.... you will need to do something with the A/C. Either evac the system and disconnect the lines at the top. You'll see what I'm talking about. Or you can loosen the A/C drier and that will allow everything to move enough. I've tried both ways. 6 of 1 a half dozen of the other. Email me if you have any questions.

[notnowles]

Thank you very much!

I very much appreciate the information, particularly about the AC.

I have run into the problem of having one of the cam pulleys on a DOHC engine turn when I am slipping the belt on, so the tip about turning the one a little bit out of synch and then rechecking things is a good one.

It may be a bit before I get to this, but I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

[slartyblarfast]

A lift is also VERY helpful. I put a jack stand on the oilpan and let that hold the engine and raise and lower as nec.