Timing belt change, need advice

[mlingk]

I've started tearing down to change timing belt, but I have a few questions.

I've got the bolt off the crankshaft, but the pully will not come off. Do I need a special tool to get it off? Long bolt, then thread it in?

Somebody recommended pulling the radiator to get more room, do I just plug the transmission cooler lines? To drain the radiator, it looks like there is a plug on the bottom left, but there is a bunch of stuff under it, the antifreeze would go everywhere. Do I need to remove the main/front brush guard? Is there another way to drain the antifreeze without making a mess?

It looks like the power steering pump is only slightly in the way, can I just loosing the bolts and nudge it out of the way? I won't really know if that is even required until I get the radiator hoses out of the way.

Thanks in advance, I'm committed now

[trooperbc]

Originally Posted by mlingk

...I've got the bolt off the crankshaft, but the pully will not come off. Do I need a special tool to get it off? Long bolt, then thread it in?

a crank pulley puller does it. or some call it a harmonic balancer puller. a good cheap one from harbor freight. or rent one. or 'rent' one for free from some bigbox parts stores. some have said they got it off without the puller, but be careful if you try, you don't want to mess up that pulley and its bonds.

Somebody recommended pulling the radiator to get more room,...

you really don't need to. it's more work than benefit. i would recommend that you put some heavy cardboard or thin plywood up against it to protect those fins, otherwise you are going to ding it.

Is there another way to drain the antifreeze without making a mess?

no --[edit add: well there are other ways (i just remove the bottom hose) but it's still a mess] --

It looks like the power steering pump is only slightly in the way, can I just loosing the bolts and nudge it out of the way? I won't really know if that is even required until I get the radiator hoses out of the way.

yes it is required, and yes you can forcefully nudge it out of the way. just don't loosen the pressure hose, or you might need to replace that copper washer.

good luck

//bc

Thanks in advance, I'm committed now [/quote]

[mlingk]

Thanks for the info. I was able to get the radiator drained by pulling the hose, and I also got the crank pulley off.

I would like to also change the thermostat while I'm in here since its original at 130K miles. Looks like I'll have to pull the throttle body, but not sure yet.
It seems like there will be alot of antifreeze in the engine still, is there a drainplug somewhere? I don't want it going everywhere when I pull the water pump.
Should I go ahead and change the other pulleys on the timing belt? I have the tensioner push rod, but not sure how long the other pieces are supposed to last. I'm thinking with 130K, I might as well change them also, if there not too expensive (yeah right ).

[atfdmike]

Originally Posted by mlingk

It seems like there will be alot of antifreeze in the engine still, is there a drainplug somewhere? I don't want it going everywhere when I pull the water pump.
Should I go ahead and change the other pulleys on the timing belt? I have the tensioner push rod, but not sure how long the other pieces are supposed to last. I'm thinking with 130K, I might as well change them also, if there not too expensive (yeah right ).

If you removed the lower radiator hose, you should not encounter much antifreeze, except for what might be trapped above the thermostat and the upper radiator hose.
On the timing parts, I would inspect the pulleys. The tensioner pulley bearing is available if you don't want to change the pulley itself, but the idler pulley is generally sold as a unit, and the hydraulic pusher is also sold as a unit. There are aftermarket parts available, but I don't know if the quality is the same as factory ( I suspect not, but the prices are considerably lower). Good luck

[mlingk]

I went ahead and ordered the parts, also busted the upper cover, so I'll be ordering one of those also.

I was going to change the thermostat while I was doing everything, but it looks like the intake manifold needs to be removed for that? If so, I'll save that for another time.

Thanks, Mike

[atfdmike]

Hi, just in case, here is factory language for thermostat change. Good luck.

1999 Isuzu Truck Trooper V6-3.5L

Vehicle Level Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Thermostat Service and Repair Service and Repair

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain engine coolant from the radiator and engine.
3. Disconnect radiator hose from the inlet pipe.
4. Remove thermostat housing.
5. Remove thermostat (2).

INSTALLATION

1. Install thermostat into the outlet pipe (4) making sure that the air hole is in the up position.
2. Install thermostat housing and tighten bolts to the specified torque. Torque: 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
3. Installation rubber hose.
4. Replenish engine coolant.
5. Start engine and check for coolant leakage.

[mlingk]

Thanks, but step 4 reads easier than it really is. I don't think you can actually just reach all the bolts without removing the intake manifold.

I've removed the throttle body, but I still don't think I can get too them. I can see them with a flashlight, but thats about it. I'll take a closer look tonight.