Timing / Balance Belt / Water Pump Replacement

Porschamaniac · 11-08-2008, 09:35 AM

So, today, I finally took the plunge and got stuck into this. Can't believe the progress that I managed to make in just one day; so far, both belts and all pulleys are off, together with the rear cover and the water pump!!!

Must admit that I was really worried about two aspects of the job - getting the pulley bolt out and also the prospect that some of the water pump bolts may be seized. I've been really lucky so far.

It's funny the things that you find doing a job like this yourself - the bottom balance shaft appears to have been set up about 20 degrees out (could this explain the way that the car seems to lurch when you first start up? I thought it was down to engine mounts, but I guess it could be badly synchronised balance shafts??)

Anyway, I have purchased a front seal kit also. As far as I can see, the cam end is all good - still nice and oil tight. However, down by the balance belts, it's a different story. Having said this, it's not oil soaked; just grimy. I want to replace the seals, without disturbing the balance belt carriers - does anyone know if you can simply pull the old seal and drift a new one in, with the front carriers still in place?

I intend to post a full write up on the job here when it's done - I just couldn't find one anywhere - and it would have given me a lot of confidence being able to get a visual overview before starting the job.

Ian.

GostRidr · 11-08-2008, 09:46 AM

Ian,

Awesome to provide a full, prospective, write up. This is something I will need to do soon and I haven't really looked into it yet. For instance, I have no idea what else should be done while the belts and pump are out. If I understand you, front seal kit too?! Well, I will be learning from your write up. Thanks!!!

HondaDustR · 11-08-2008, 10:40 AM

I did a write up of sorts with pictures when I did mine.

Balance Shaft seals! (dialup-ers grab a beer)

I would reconsider just changing the shaft seals now that you have it stripped down. Each front balance shaft carrier is sealed to the block by a large o-ring. If it's not leaking now, it will. These seals are a bit problematic when they've been on the car for 20+ years and it would suck to have to re-strip the whole front of the engine to replace them, not if, but when they eventually start leaking. They are pretty easy to do while you're in there. Just 3 bolts.

Porschamaniac · 11-08-2008, 01:25 PM

Hi there HondaDustR,

Now, I can't beleive that I didn't find this write-up before. Really great work.

Yep, I guess that you're right; looks like the carriers are coming off tomorrow!!!

Thanks again,

Ian.

HondaDustR · 11-09-2008, 05:29 PM

Thanks. Glad it helps.

One word of caution. If you do replace the front main seal, be especially careful to drive the new one all the way in, all the way around or it'll just leak. It is a little trickier to install correctly than the balance shaft seals. IIRC, it goes a tad bit futher in than flush with the block (actually, the oil pump).