Its All About Timing

I see a lot of posts on the internet on various forums and the like.. they usually start out something like this " I replaced my timing belt in my blah blah blah and despite doing everything correctly, the vehicle will not turn over and I hear something I didn't notice before..." Sure everywhere you look on the web there are "Do It Yourself Manuals" <Available for Instant Download>, guys that own the same car as you do who's claim to fame  is  having  done this themselves in no time.. so you think hey if he could do it so can I..really how hard could it be? There are even YouTube videos to walk you through the operation step by step. All is fine and dandy if you know what you are doing & have the tools. However if you drive an import vehicle and do not have the specialty tools to do this type of repair, my advice.. don't attempt it. This is not meant to be a scare tactic, if you will, but a recommendation based on the fallout I have seen, that being the scores of vehicles  over the years coming in on a flatbed when the timing belt was relaced by your local shade tree Craigs List guy who offers "to do it in your carport for a great price if you buy the parts" or Bob's Tire shop down the street who also "performs all repairs and maintenance for all types of vehicles ." Or <Gasp> the unlucky ones who thought since they have done their own brake pads and replaced some belts in the past they would use their own vehicle as a guinea pig. If you are driving an import more than likely you have what they term to be an "interference motor" under your hood. Interestingly enough some domestics will have this too such as Chryslers..when in doubt do your research. What this means is that "Depending on the design of an engine, piston and valve paths may "interfere" with one another as a result of incorrect timing in their movements." In laymans terms this means two words <Valve Damage>. These intake and exhaust valves are located within your cylinder heads, essentialy the top end of your engine. If a timing belt goes or if it is installed incorrecty or improperly timed what occurs in an interference engine is <valve damage> meaning your timing belt that you were looking to save a couple hundred dollars on replacing will now cost you thousands in an engine replacement or rebuild. For some it means buying a new vehicle as the cost for the repair will exceed the value of the car. There is a reason why manufacturers recommend you replace your timing belt at specific service intervals, to avoid this from happening. There is also a reason why it is important to use specialty tools to perform the repair. Things like specialty pins to lock the cams in place for instance so the vehicle can be timed properly are critical to performing the "operation" successfully. Your money is best spent with someone who is very familiar with the type of vehicle you drive, a specialist. By this I don't mean the dealer <stealer> they will always lure you in on the premise that you are getting a great deal on their "Timing Belt Special for $399" until you get the call that the water pump is showing signs of leakage , they can't reuse the old belt tensioner and the pullys look worn. What are these parts you ask? They are the componants that your belt rides on and that allow for it to be properly tensioned. They are usually what fails as opposed to the belt itself and to do all that labor and not spring for a little extra to do these componants as well would be asinine. They are usually available in a kit along with the belt for a reasonable price. Water pump replacement is always a good idea if it hasn't been replaced previously because usually it only involves the cost of the part, which has more than likely been updated to a better design and typicaly is available at a reasonable price as well. The unlimited information available on the internet can lead anyone to think they are the expert after a while and much to their own demise.There is a right way and a wrong way to go about doing things and usually their luck involves having done it the wrong way, and it could potentialy come back to sting them. Remember the old adage "You Get What You Pay For" in terms of service on your vehicle, when doing a timing belt seek out a professional (someone who has performed this type of repair countless times, has years of experience and has invested in the specialty tools) to perform the replacement at a fair price.Not sure when the manufacturer recommends your timing belt be replaced or if you even have a timing belt? Feel free to give me a call at 480-421-9048. As always I am open to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Gina