Timing belt replacement

[snakepitt1]

My 2003 is coming up on 80,000 miles. Has anyone out there in PT land changed their own timing belt? I think the manual recommends 100,000 miles, but I have heard of horror stories as little as 70,000. My car is acting alittle funny lately. It is stalling out when the air is on and I just give enough gas to produce movement.

[satellite66]

The stalling I doubt has anything to do with the timing belt.
I just looked through a shop manual and it looks like it might be more work than the average guy should attempt. I did the t belt last year on my Mazda and it was a real chore. I don't know what your background is but in my youth I was a dealership mechanic so I am comfortable working on cars. Of course not being as slim or limber as I once was did not help either. If you attempt it good luck.

[purple04]

I haven't done one in a PT (mine is at only 13k), but have done many in the past. I can tell you that if you haven't done one before, this would not be a good one to start on. It's very tight and a DOHC is tougher than a SOHC. If you must do it due to lack of local pro talent or money, research it (factory manual) and have someone with experience lend a hand. If you get it all right it will be a great feeling. If you get any of it wrong, it could be a lot more money and a big bummer.

[fritz_t_coyote]

Stalling when trying to start out with AC on?

Sounds like the 'fast idle' circuit is not being told when the AC compressor is engaged.

[sca037]

Our 2001 Cruiser is coming up on 80K miles, so decided that a timing belt (and other pre-Winter prep being we're in Michigan) was due. I looked into doing it myself, but even with the special pully puller it's a super tight fit in there so had a professional mechanic friend do the job for us. GOOD CALL, as he said he's done many 2.4's in other chassis....but this engine in the PT was a PITA due to the lack of space. He had to remove the A/C drier among other things, so we said while you're in there check the water pump for play and replace it too if needed (there was some so he did
Bottom line here: I'm a decent DIY guy but am truly glad I passed on this one!

Brian

[compdr59]

What did he charge to replace the belt, tensioner and water pump.