How To Replace A Timing Belt

This auto repair video covers the process on a Dodge Intrepid, but the repair will be similar for most vehicles.  Consult your Haynes manual for proper specs and procedure.

A basic list of tools for the job on most vehicles will be…

• Socket set
• Jack and jackstands
• Belt or timing chain wrench
• Screw drivers
• A catch pan for oil
• A puller may be necessary for certain models to remove the crank shaft pulley

Follow the steps in the video and don’t forget to search our site for more great youtube auto repair videos from other mechanics!

This video featuring Eric the car guy will show you how to use a timing light properly.

In this vehicle the ignition timing is on the under hood sticker. (If you don’t have one you can always refer to a haynes or shop manual.)

Pay close attention to the video. In many late model vehicles you need to use a connector to stop the computer from trying to adjust to a base timing so that you can manually set it properly. Most OBD-II vehicles work like this. The timing light itself is given a power, ground, and then clamped to the number 1 cylinder.

The flashing light indicates the #1 cylinder firing. When you point the gun towards the crankshaft pulley which should have timing marks you can time the engine this way. Usually there is an indicator that will allow you to line up the marks on the pulley with the indicator.

Props to Eric The Car Guy for an excellent video and tutorial!

Need a new thermostat for your explorer? Here is a step by step video on how to remove and install a new thermostat.

First start by locating the thermostat on the engine block usually where the radiator hose connects. (be sure that you have drained the coolant first.)

The thermostat prevents coolant from going to the radiator until your engine is up to temperature. Be sure to get the proper type/temp. thermostat. Hotter climates may be better off with a higher temperature.

First remove the hose clamp and this will allow you to remove the hose.

After removing the hose you will see usually two bolts on the thermostat that need to be removed in order to pull the thermostat housing off. Inside the housing you will find the thermostat itself.

Be sure to remove the old gasket material so that you can easily apply RTV or a new gasket. A razor blade usually works well.

Installation is the reverse of removal just reinstall the gasket, the two bolts, and reattach your radiator hose.

This video applies to ford explorer models but is very similar for a large variety of vehicles.

The EGR is located just to the top left of the valve cover. A few 12mm bolts need to be loosened to remove the valve. After the bolts are removed you’ll want to remove the vacuum hose. Make sure to note where and how it is attached.

After removing the valve take a razor and scrape off any old gasket material left on the mounting service. Once it’s been cleaned take your new honda EGR valve and install it in the reverse order of removal.

Bad EGR valves can be a source of frequent check engine lights coming on in many different vehicles. Save yourself some money and install the part yourself they tend to be easy to find and access on most Honda’s and other vehicle makes and models.

The fuel filter itself is located underneath the driver side frame rail on most ford trucks. Most fords require a special tool in order to remove the fuel filter or fuel lines. (link for this tool at the bottom of the page)

The fuel filter is usually held on with just two bolts to the frame rail with a bracket. Always be careful when removing fuel lines of any excess gas in the lines and have a towel or rag ready to clean up any gas that has spilled.

Begin by finding the belt routing diagram. This procedure requires a belt removal and you want to make sure you put it back on in the correct way.

Always disconnect the battery before starting. Use the belt tensioner to remove the belt first. Disconnect any wiring from the rear of the alternator. Next remove the two mounting bolts that hold the alternator to the bracket to free it.

Most auto parts stores can check an alternator for you if you bring it in to them so feel free to have yours double checked before buying a replacement.

Replacement is about the same as removal just take your time getting the belt back on and make sure routing and tension is correct as well as any wiring that needs to be reattached.

When a belt is starting to wear or breaks it’s time to replace it with a new one. On most vehicles to remove the old belt if its still on you simply need a socket wrench. To start simply find the belt tensioner pulley. This is just a simple pulley and it’s function is to make sure that proper tension is applied to the belt. Most of these pulleys have a bolt in the center of the pulley you can get a ratchet on.

Use your ratchet to move the pulley away from the belt and relieve the tension. This should allow you to get the belt off of the pulley and start removing it from the other accessories.

Once the old belt is off it’s just a matter of putting the new one on in reverse order. Sometimes this takes a little patience (just like the fan in the video). I’ve found that carefully using a flat head screw driver to guide the serpentine belt on helps. Be sure to check for proper routing of the serpentine belt, because you don’t want pulleys moving in the wrong direction. (there is usually a diagram sticker in the engine bay).

When removing the old cap be sure to properly mark the spark plug wires to be sure you install them in the same positions you took them off. This is essential to make sure that the firing order is correct. Most distributors are very easy to remove and either have 2 screws or bolts on the side that need to be loosened to take the cap off. Some models have snapping clips that are simply pried off.

Most caps on GM vehicles also have coil wiring that needs to be carefully removed and plugged in to the new cap. Caps and rotors are easy and cheap to replace and are a wear and tear item that needs to be checked and possiby replaced on any high mileage vehicle.

3-inch catback exhaust install on a Ford F-150. Easy upgrade that will give your truck a meaner sound and some added performance.