timing belt change

[EPnick22]

I havnt had a chance to have a look but how do i go about changing my timing belt and tensioner? Ive been told i need to drop the engine out?

[melon]

LOL no you do not need to remove the engine!!!!

Who told you that?!

Edited June 26, 2013 by melon

[EPnick22]

a couple people O_o Ive only ever had the cambelt cover off to give a coat of paint, never really paid much attention

[melon]

http://www.toyotagtturbo.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=Timing+belt+and+water+pump+replacement

Follow this mate, only need to be able to get good access really

Edited June 26, 2013 by melon

[EPnick22]

So Ive basically got to take half the car apart xD the guy who had the car about 2 years or so ago said he changed it but sometimes people just say things so was tempted to change it incase!

[melon]

I think you check the tension by seeing if you can only twist it 90degrees, anymore & it needs changing. Or if its obv worn. Every 60k or 5 years I think is the rough guide

However, i might be talking shit- my engines jever last long enough for me to change one! Check the wiki sections or wait for another reply...

Edited June 26, 2013 by melon

[EPnick22]

awww man, how comes you go through engines like that?

[The_Notorious_C_A_T]

That's my guide from back in the day

[Flaminsam]

Im sure I read somewhere that starlet gt turbo cambelts need changing every 60000kms or two years :-S. Bit like the oil needs changing every 3000miles and then do oil and filter every 6000 miles?

[melon]

Im sure I read somewhere that starlet gt turbo cambelts need changing every 60000kms or two years :-S. Bit like the oil needs changing every 3000miles and then do oil and filter every 6000 miles?

Might be every two years... ive got no idea

[EPnick22]

i found out from the guy who owned the car 2 years ago that it was changed with tensioner etc so should be fine for the time being

[AdamB]

Doesn't really matter, they are non-interference engines, so if the belt snaps just time the engine back up and whack a new belt on

[EPnick22]

what would happen if it snapped while i was driving?

[AdamB]

Nothing, their non-interference engines, meaning the valves have sufficient clearence to not hit the pistons. Although if the head has been skimmed this may change the clearence.

[EPnick22]

i see, well I'll tell my dad that as he told me itd ruin my engine due to the pistons hitting the valves

[AdamB]

Nah mate they are a non-interference design engine, but like I say if the head has been skimmed or a thinner headgasket has been used this will reduce the clearence somewhat. Although I wouldn't recommend just driving until the belt snaps

[EPnick22]

There's no way of telling if its going to snap though is there?

[triple j]

Inspect the belt for fine cracks.