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Symptoms of a bad timing belt include a rough running engine, decreased power and decreased fuel mileage. A bad timing belt can even cause your engine to not run at all. Timing belt replacement is recommended at about every 60,000 miles. It is not an easy job, but it can be accomplished by a home mechanic who has the time and necessary parts. You should replace your timing belt as preventative maintenance. Don't wait around to see the effects of a bad timing belt. Since every car and truck is a little bit different, you should purchase the Chilton Repair Manual or Haynes Repair Manual for your vehicle. The procedure would also be detailed in the Factory Service Manual or eAutoRepair, the online repair manual.

You will want to wait for the engine to cool before replacing a timing belt. Disconnect the battery and make sure the vehicle can't roll. Remove all obstructions to the timing belt. This can take a long time depending on the vehicle. You may have to remove a wheel, the water pump, power steering pump or other parts. You will need to refer to your repair manual. If you work on many different vehicles, Autodata publishes a Timing Belt Manual that focuses just on timing belt replacement and covers almost all domestic & import vehicles, item number 10180.

Remove the timing belt cover. Replace your timing belt tensioner bearings, camshaft and crankshaft seals if necessary. Make sure that all the timing marks are properly aligned. A Chilton Repair Manual, Haynes Repair Manual or other type of repair or service manual will contain pictures and diagrams that are very helpful with this procedure. Loosen the timing belt tensioner and remove the timing belt.

Remove all dirt and oil from the timing belt area. Recheck the timing marks to make sure they are properly aligned and install the new timing belt. Adjust the tension if necessary, but do not over tighten. Apply a new gasket to the timing belt cover, and then replace the timing belt cover. Replace any of the parts that you had to remove to access the timing belt. Reconnect the battery. Then run the engine and check for proper operation. You shouldn't hear loud knocks if the timing is correct. If the timing became misaligned while you replaced the belt, fix the problem or consult a professional mechanic. To prevent serious internal engine damage, do not operate a car or truck with incorrect timing. You can use OTC Ford Cam Tools to ensure proper cam timing when you replace a head gasket, replace a timing belt or chain, or complete any valve train repair. We carry the full line of OTC Cam Sensor Syncro Positioning and Alignment tools include the master kit OTC6487.

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