QuestionThank you for your quick response!
Mr. Von Sudderrh I need more details on this project.
1. For how many hours should I plan this project (first time timing belt replacement)?
2. Do I need a separate gasket for water pump, or should one be formed out of sealant?
3. What type of bolt (diameter) should I use to position crankshaft at TDC?
4. Do I need a sprocket puller for crankshaft and/or camshaft?
5. What size of seal driver is used?
6. Do I need any belt removal or tensioner removal tools?
7. What type of tool do I need to remove timing belt tensioner?
8. Which Nippondeso spark plugs would work the best on this vehicle?
9. What other tool required?
10.Any tips on various steps?
Sorry for a long list, but I really need to have everything ready, since it's my only vehicle, so won't be able to make any additional store trips.
Thanks in advance for understanding,
Maciek K.
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello,
Please allow me to ask questions specific to my vehicle, which is Nissan Pathfinder 98 3.3 4WD Auto.
My vehicle has about 103K and it runs reasonable.
I am about to replace the timing belt, cam seals, crank seal, tensioner, remaining belts, water pump, upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat, flush and replace the coolant.
I already compiled most of the parts and tools, like balance remover, strap wrench and also have the repair manual for my vehicle?
Please explain in detail, what other parts should be replaced, during this type of project, what additional tools besides metric socket set and ones mentioned have to be used?
Also any tips on tricky parts of this type of project and/or warnings? How much time I should reserved (mechanically inclined although never spent too much time on cars, and first such project).
Are sparkplugs required to be removed?
In addition my Pathy seems a little sluggish, what could be the cause, besides the age and mileage?
Maintenance performed until now includes:
Regular oil changes, where three times synthetic oils used.
Fram oil filters used each time.
Regular air filters replacements with Fram filters being utilized.
Front Brakes being done twice with cutting rotors and bearings repacking.
Rear Brakes adjusted twice.
Spark plugs changed twice-using Bosch platinum.
Transmission fluid replaced at dealer.
Transfer case lube replacement.
New battery installed.
Also I used three times fuel system cleaners, which were added to full gas tank.
Used to have a problem with ESS light, but It went away by itself, should I be concerned?
Do I have to lubricate chassis on this model?
Passenger’s side exhaust manifold needing replacement.
Where else maintenance should be perform at this mileage interval?
What could be done to increase power and fuel economy?
Any additional information and directions are very welcomed!
And please address all my questions and be as detailed as possible.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
Maciek K.
Answer -
Maciek,
It seems you have all the parts well in order for the timing belt change. I never replace the seals unless they are weeping/leaking. But, that is just me. Other items that you should probably look are the idler tensioner pulley as that will go out and start making a squeak noise and to correct it you have to take the timing belt back off and all the other stuff you had to take off to get to it. So, I would forget replacing the seals and get an idler tensioner pulley for this round. In another 103K you could look at replacement of the seals. On the sluggish problem I would look at new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I would go with Nippondenso plugs as I have had problems with teh Bosch fouling out due to their small electrode in the center. Nippondenso or Autolite platinum are fine. The ESS light went off by itself and it is probably been off to long to read the code. So, I would do a simple tuneup as indicated and replace the timing belt and see how it runs. Email me back with the results.
AnswerIt should take four hours to replace the belt if it is your first time and you have good hand tools.
Your waterpump should come with a new gasket and no sealant is required.
The bolt that holds the crank is a 19mm
Ask for the factory heat range for the Nippondenso plugs
Use a socket of corrisponding size to drive in the new seals.
No puller is required for the crank.
Buy a factory belt to help in aligning the timing marks and be sure to rotate the engine over to top dead center before you take the timing belt off. Replace the assessory drive belts while you are at it to keep from having to do it later.
