Okay maybe not expert, but I KNOW how to do it and what NOT to do and what to watch for.
After much research, I bought the parts from jagworks.com (less than $268 total shipped). I have the tools now.
I've done it three times
1st time - everything went smooth until we turned the crank to test the belt, at which point the bolt in the eccentric tensioner pulley came loose (didn't torque to specs), had to redo, but everything was smooth after that.
2nd time:
a week later, after many careful test drives, I pulled the covers to look at the belt, and didn't like the way it looked, so I took everything back apart again and redid it.
3rd time, later that night, couldn't remember if the tensioner pin was removed the 2nd time, so I took everything back apart to inspect.
IMO 90% of the work is taking everything off and putting it back together, so I say I can do it in about 5-6 hours easy now (last time I did it in 3 hours, but was rushing.
Long story short-
Anyone in the Houston area, willing to drive halfway to Galveston on I-45:
I'd be happy to help for 5-6 hours on a sunny day on a weekend change your t-belt/pulleys/and or water pump. All I ask in return is maybe $100 for my time (5 hrs at $20 per hr - what i make at work) + good conversation etc.
That means you could get your timing belt changed for less than $400 and probably do the full 60K (I consider the 60K a two part job, one is the front of the engine - belts pulleys etc, while the other is the top of the engine (plugs/wires)) with plugs and wires for less than $500 with parts and labor if you are willing to get your hands dirty.
As a bonus, when you get through, you too will know how to do it and won't have to worry about it next time it needs to be done.
Its not all that bad once you've done it a time or two.
After much research, I bought the parts from jagworks.com (less than $268 total shipped). I have the tools now.
I've done it three times
1st time - everything went smooth until we turned the crank to test the belt, at which point the bolt in the eccentric tensioner pulley came loose (didn't torque to specs), had to redo, but everything was smooth after that.
2nd time:
a week later, after many careful test drives, I pulled the covers to look at the belt, and didn't like the way it looked, so I took everything back apart again and redid it.
3rd time, later that night, couldn't remember if the tensioner pin was removed the 2nd time, so I took everything back apart to inspect.
IMO 90% of the work is taking everything off and putting it back together, so I say I can do it in about 5-6 hours easy now (last time I did it in 3 hours, but was rushing.
Long story short-
Anyone in the Houston area, willing to drive halfway to Galveston on I-45:
I'd be happy to help for 5-6 hours on a sunny day on a weekend change your t-belt/pulleys/and or water pump. All I ask in return is maybe $100 for my time (5 hrs at $20 per hr - what i make at work) + good conversation etc.
That means you could get your timing belt changed for less than $400 and probably do the full 60K (I consider the 60K a two part job, one is the front of the engine - belts pulleys etc, while the other is the top of the engine (plugs/wires)) with plugs and wires for less than $500 with parts and labor if you are willing to get your hands dirty.
As a bonus, when you get through, you too will know how to do it and won't have to worry about it next time it needs to be done.
Its not all that bad once you've done it a time or two.
