Thinking of doing my own timing belt, need advice

[bastianshaw]

Ive never done it before, most in depth thing ive done is installing my own short shifter. I have a bentley manual, just wanted to get some feedback, I plan on going slow and taking my time and learning, how hard is this?
what are some tips you have learned form doing it?
thanks in advance

[Cletonius]

Just go slow and make sure you have the marks lined up when you're done. Its ok to be off a tad but not by more than one-half tooth. Jack the front up a couple inches when you bleed the cooling system. Take the hood off and buy your stuff from one of the vendors here to support the community. Guten and Blunttech are both awesome to deal with.

Also, read the faq/diy section. There are good writeups with pics.

Good luck!

[unrlmth]

It was the first major job that I ever did and while it took me a few days, everything turned out fine. Just search for all of the threads about it on here and e30tech and read the bentley and you'll be fine. Make sure you have a 32mm(maybe) flat wrench to get the fan clutch off. I used my bicycle headset wrench for this.

[DÌEGØ]

Not hard at all if you are mechanically inclined, specially with a bentley. just take ur time and follow the directions.
you should also replace the water pump and all that jaz while your in there.
The hardest part for me was getting the new belt on there and having everything align. but just play with it, then spin it by hand to make sure everything is cool. thats probably the most crucial part....not much you could really mess up besides that [and maybe getting your coolant 'bled' right]

[LJ851]

Use a Contitech belt, replace the tensioner, water pump, thermostat plus all the related gaskets/seals/orings. Also it is a convenient time to replace your V belts as well.

[urbancynic]

If you are mechanically inclined it is cake. Just take your time and check everything.

I followed this DIY:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-20-E30-Timing-Belt/101-Projects-20-E30-Timing-Belt.htm

Make sure you have the wrench for the fan clutch. It took me awhile to source one when I couldn't find one in the tool box. Lost about 2 hours there driving to Autozone, Checker, Harbor Freight, and Sears.

As already mentioned, it is a great time to replace your v-belts.

I also decided to replace all my coolant hoses while I was in there and the system was empty.

A valve adjustment is a good idea as well.

[MonkeyMan]

http://e30world.com/engine/BMW-E30-timing-belt-and-water-pump

I used this one as a go-by... it's a pretty straight-forward job - the trickiest part was bleeding the cooling system at the end (that's covered all over this forum).. just make sure you have all the right parts and tools in advance
+1 on replacing the coolant hoses - you'll be glad you did.

[bastianshaw]

thanks guys, anyone link to a good parts kit?

[DÌEGØ]

got mine from pelican. dont remember if I bought their kit or just pieced it together tho lol

[MonkeyMan]

http://www.rmeuropean.com/

they have a pretty good kit - only $37 I believe...

[kid325e]

My best advice is read other people's experience. Keep their mistakes in mind, read the bentley instructions over and over. Do it once and do it right! You'll be fine if you go into it prepared and informed. Get your hands dirty.

[StereoInstaller1]

1. Do NOT use the Bentley, what they show for the timing marks is incorrect. You need to line up the notch on the crankshaft with the notch on the block, NOT the timing cover.

2. Replace your cam seal and the cam seal carrier o-ring

3. If this is a stock M20, do NOT jack the car up to bleed the cooling system. Doing it like that will have the air bubbles in the radiator instead of in the thermostat housing, thus being a major pain in the ass to bleed.

4. The very first thing to do is pull the fan. Get a 32mm wrench and a hammer...but remember that it is backwards thread. Put the wrench on and carefully whack it to break it loose.

5. Now is an OK time to replace your V Belts, sure...but the coolant hoses are a way better choice of money to be spent now, if there is a budget concern.

6. Get yourself a couple of colored wire ties (this tip assumes a M20B25) and find the cylinder ID and CPS plugs (right by the diagnostic port). They are the same plug and easy to get wrong. Put a wire tie on each side of the plug so you can't get them backwards. This can save hours of head scratching when it won't start.

This job is a 4 hour deal if you are experienced, so figure a full day, or even a weekend if wrenching is new to you. Take your time, clean everything you can and take pictures of how stuff fits together so you can use the pics for reference later.

Good luck!

Luke

[Cletonius]

5. Now is an OK time to replace your V Belts, sure...but the coolant hoses are a way better choice of money to be spent now, if there is a budget concern.

I got my v-belts from rock auto, all gates for $3/ea. They have Mann oil filters fo the M20 for about $3 as well. I got a case of filters and 2 sets of belts shipped for what the local auto parts place wanted for just one set of belts.

[MonkeyMadness]

Wow,, WTF we have timing belt..?

hold on I'll be right back.. FML

[MTechnikII]

First time I did it on my eta it took me 12 hours now it's like a 4 hour deal ,
what kind of a life you guys get from your TB? after 4 years my belt was like brand new, the reason I changed it was the bad waterpump.with newer rubber and belt material , can we go longer than 3 years?
Henry