AXterra
06-25-2011, 07:09 PM
On my 2000 X the little water hose that you can barely see behind the timing belt cover to the left of the distributor burst. No problem, just an $8 hose. But to change it, you have to take off the timing belt cover which means the front of the engine and the cam gears. PITA, especially in my garage in Phx with 110 degree weather outside.
So after several hours of disassembly I finally get to the hose and swap it for the new one. I had just changed the timing belt 4 months ago so just need to put her all back together.
In the heat, frustration, and beat up knuckles, I forgot to torque the cam gears down.
Started her up and fired right off, timing was spot on but it sounded a little off. Decided to call it a day and check it in the morning.
Next morning, started her up. Revved it and let it idle when it developed a tick. Before I could shut her down, the tick became more pronounced.
I then remembered that i didnt torque the cam gears. Took it all back apart and sure enough, the timing belt had forced the gears about 1/4 of an inch outward. When I took off the belt, I found that my right gear had broken not only the lttle post that keeps it in position on the cam but the collar that it fits over to keep it centered. Long story short, the cam is effed up good. Good news is I happen to have to good heads to swap out but now I have to do major work.
Please always remember to TORQUE things down. An $8 hose and a 3 hour job has now become a two day ordeal.
So after several hours of disassembly I finally get to the hose and swap it for the new one. I had just changed the timing belt 4 months ago so just need to put her all back together.
In the heat, frustration, and beat up knuckles, I forgot to torque the cam gears down.
Started her up and fired right off, timing was spot on but it sounded a little off. Decided to call it a day and check it in the morning.
Next morning, started her up. Revved it and let it idle when it developed a tick. Before I could shut her down, the tick became more pronounced.
I then remembered that i didnt torque the cam gears. Took it all back apart and sure enough, the timing belt had forced the gears about 1/4 of an inch outward. When I took off the belt, I found that my right gear had broken not only the lttle post that keeps it in position on the cam but the collar that it fits over to keep it centered. Long story short, the cam is effed up good. Good news is I happen to have to good heads to swap out but now I have to do major work.
Please always remember to TORQUE things down. An $8 hose and a 3 hour job has now become a two day ordeal.