Timming Belt Change Help-Getting to tensioner

[Candace]

Hi,
My son is buying a new truck, So I bought his PT Cruiser 2001.(2.4 liter)

It's time for a timming belt change.

Well, I got everything off, Except for a mount that sits right up against the timming belt covers.I got the covers off. My problem is , After I get ready to put the belt on, It is going to be impossible to get to the tensioner,Unless I get that mount off. I cant get a rachet in the holes to remove the bolts. I cant get a wrench in there either.


Any one that has changed the belt themselves know what I'm talking about and have any suggestions?
I have the haynes manual, It's no help in this case.
I would really appreciate it.
We are 3 drivers down to 2 rides right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

(Don't have to 1200 to take it to the shop either :-(
I have the new pump, belt and everything else prepared and ready, Just got to get to that tensioner. Please help.

Thanks

[CREWZIN]

Maybe this will help. Step by step instructions........

ever replace timing belt in a pt cruiser - Tampa Racing

P.S. Read all the entries to get more hints on what to do and what tools are needed.

P.S.S I'll give you a chance to answer then I am moving this thread to the Tech section and making it a sticky since so many people ask about the timing belt change.

[Candace]

Thanks alot. I knew I read somewhere to jack the passenger side of the engine up. I think I read jack it about 4 inches,and be careful about the electrical connectors. Some have had them break. I think maybe the throttle position senseor connector may have to be watched close, But where I am having the trouble is here:
:::::::
Raise engine with jack until engine support bracket bolts are accessible.
Remove support bracket bolts.
Remove support bracket. ::::::

Thats a pretty good bit of clearance to raise it.Is 4 inches gonna damage anything else? I couldn't get it to go that much, About 2-1/2 inches, Then the car started raising....Unless... I must have missed a bracket in there somewhere....

Or maybe its because I didnt disconnect the Ex manifold.(I knew I should have)
Anyway, I appreciate the help. I printed the instructions out. Gonna PASTE them in the Haynes Manual...

Gonna go out to the shop and give it another try....
Thanks!

[767skyking]

Tried to search for these ideas but could not find:

While working on a friends Pt for a timing belt change, a Chrysler tech gave me some helpful hints...
Picture #1 and 2 shows the front right headlight off. The engine support, water pump and engine strut mount is much easier to access.

Picture #3 shows that I did not have to remove the A/C because the key is to remove the 4 bolts that hold the compressor and support it forward with a wire or cord. That way, the a/c lines do not move. With the front light removed, engine mount and bolts can be accessed through the hole! As you can see, I reinstalled the mount after removing the back covers so I could remove the jack. (still waiting for parts).