changed plugs, T belt next

[surferfletch]

For sh*ts and giggles, I decided to change the plugs in my '97 3.2L for the first time since I got it at about 30K. It now has 125K. I guess the individual coil pack setup scared me a little. The 2 places I stopped for the NGKs or Nippon-Densos didn't have either, so I got the ultra cheap Autolites. When I took the old ones out, I wish I'd known that they were Champions, because they performed well and I would have used the same. The Autolites seem fine now. Always just glad it fires up when I do something. This is an easy DIY if you have a couple of different extensions. I had to run next door for a shorter extension for the one at the back on the driver's side.

I'm due for my third timing belt now, and I need to make sure the tech does everything that needs to be done on my engine. Do I need a new tensioner or anything specific to this engine? I had the water pump done at the same time last time, and judging by the 20 seconds of squeal followed by a whooosh at startup, I may need another. Is there anything else that would make those sounds at startup? The accesory belts and pulleys seem to be good. Thanks.

[Cat Fuzz]

The squeal/whooosh at start-up is a loose or bad alternator/fan belt. I have found it needs to be pretty tight to not squeal. You can try and minimize the noise, for now, by making sure all accessories are turned off before you start the engine. This puts less load on the alternator and makes it easier for the belt to turn it without slipping.

If you have never replaced the tensioner, then do it this time for sure. As for the water pump, if you replaced it last time it should be alright to leave it. Unless you have the bucks and just want to play it safe.

[surferfletch]

Glad to hear a vote for one of the belts up front. I think I remember seeing a charge for the tensioner on the receipt when I last had the timing belt done. I'll have to double check. My engine has been very good to me. I want to be good to it!

My buddy thinks it's hilarious that I've changed the tranny fluid 3 times and the spark plugs once since I've had it.

[eric147]

I just put my '97 3.2 back together (at 118K) after changing out the WP, timing belt kit (I had to get the hydraulic cylinder from the dealer- didn't come with the kit) all the belts, hoses and plugs (Champion Truck Plugs).

The plugs had been in there for at least 70K. Pretty worn. I also found the timing gear was about three teeth (5 degrees?) retarded.

My Rodeo runs much better now. It maintains speed during long uphill grades in cruise control. Didn't used to.

I find I constantly have to tweak my alt. belt tighter and tighter. Especially when it gets cold. It'll be fine all summer, as soon as it gets cold, it starts squealing.

[Cat Fuzz]

lol, It might not have anything to do with the cold. You use alot more of the trucks accessories in the winter; wipers, lights, heater, rear defroster, etc. Puts more demand on the alternator, more demand = harder to spin = more likely the belt will slip.