2000 Galant Timing Belt

[shuaabe]

Timing belt broke on 2000 galant 4 cyl. SOHC, Everthing on the internet said I was in trouble and would probably have to change the engine, not true. I changed the belt myself under my carport, wasn't easy but it can be done. Jack the side of the car up and use good solid blocking/jacks to hold the car up, remove the front passenger tire, you will have to take the air compressor and power steering pump lose from the engine, do not take the lines off of these units, this is very important, if you do you will have to recharge the system. Take them lose and let them hang out of the way. You do not have to remove the valve cover. You will have to take the motor mount lose so that you can slip your new timing belt on. There are 2 belts under the cover and you should change both while you are there. You have to be absolutly sure that your timeing marks are all lined up before you put the belt on, will not run if they are not and if you are way off you will bend a valve when you try to crank it. You will have to remove the water pump pully as well as the crank shaft pully, I got lucky and it came off without having to use a wheel puller. Be very careful not to damage the crank shaft sensor, vehicle will not run if you do. I took the timing belt tensioner off and compressed it in a vice, very slowly, and put a small nail into the hole in the shaft to hold it in place until I was ready to tighten the belt, just pull the nail out and it will extend. Good luck and don't rush, back off and think before you make a bad decision.