Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Fig. 17 Camshaft sprocket timing mark.:

***UPDATED BY TSB 87-026 APRIL 1988

1. If necessary, loosen alternator and remove alternator drive belt.
2. Remove valve cover.
3. Remove upper timing belt cover.
4. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC (top dead center) compression stroke, then align camshaft sprocket timing marks as shown. Crankshaft may be rotated with engine installed in vehicle using a socket wrench inserted through access hole in the front of left fender well, Fig. 17

Fig. 42 Timing Belt Replacement, Exploded View.:

5. Working through the lower belt cover, loosen the belt tensioner adjuster and adjustment bolt. Do not remove the adjustment bolt.
6. If the timing belt is going to be re-used, mark it's direction of rotation at this time.
7. Draw the timing belt carefully off the driven or camshaft sprocket.
8. Remove crankshaft pulley from crankshaft end by loosening the attaching bolt. Be careful not to lose the key.
9. Remove lower cover but leave the loosened adjustment and pivot bolts in place, and then remove timing belt.
10. Reverse steps 4 through 9 to install.
11. After belt is installed for final adjustment, proceed as follows:
a. Rotate crankshaft until No. 1 cylinder is at TDC (top dead center) compression stroke.
b. Working through lower belt cover, loosen belt tensioner adjustment bolt. Do not remove adjustment bolt.
c. Rotate crankshaft counterclockwise until camshaft timing gear has rotated three teeth to place tension on timing belt.
d. Torque adjustment bolt to 31-35 ft. lbs.
12. If crankshaft pulley bolt loosened during previous steps, torque bolt to 83 ft. lbs.