dreamr

ok so i took the timing belt cover off of my dohc zc in my ef cause it hits my hood ever so slightly, so appon taking it off i come to find that the belt is loose enuf to slide back and fouth on the cam gear a little bit (not enuf to come off) and the deflection is a fair bit between the two gears. would this indicate its time to replace it or just reset the tensioner? and if im replacing it should i replace the water pump at the same time sence im right there? NOTE: i put the cover back on just to be safe for now! dont need it jumping off!

JDMej1

take your belt off and insepct it; look for wear marks, small cracks, etc. if you find anything then replace it, if not it may not need to be replaced depending on when it was last done. if you decide to not replace it, just tighten it up ever so slightly. if your not having any problems with your water pump, then id say dont replace it, you could always just replace the gasket for it to ensure no leakage. i assume you didnt find a zc hood, you should try to shave the top of your timing belt cover enough so it doesnt touch.

dreamr

no i havnt found a zc hood yet. havnt really looked tho. got a heafty ticket so my hood savings got spent...as far as the belt and whatnot, if i was to remove the belt just to inspect it wouldnt it make sence just to slap a new one on there? like its off why not right..and i dont know any of the maitenance history on the motor so im thinkin of doin the belt and pump anyway. but i would be getting someone else to do it cause i dont have time if ya know anyone....

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

a lot of the time there is NO visual wear indication on a timing belt when its due for replacement.

If you're gunna go through the trouble of taking it off, you might as well put a new one on AND do the water pump at the same time.