timing belt

[1stporsche944]

i am 16 and just bought a 1985.5 944 and i need to do a timing belt i have a Haynes Manuel but i still don't really know what im doing, can someone tell me the basics or direct me to the answers.

[rick13]

take lots of pictures, make sure they are in focus read...read...and read some more !

[smokin_944]

There is a video by a dude on Rennlist that gives you the procedure to follow. I would go with that as a starting point. He is extremely knowledgeable with 944s.

[speedracing944]

Go to Clark's Garage Home Page

click on "Garage Shop Manual"

Click on "Camshaft (Timing) Belt Install, Camshaft (Timing) Belt Removal, Camshaft (Timing) Belt and Balance Shaft Belt Tensioning"

Speedy

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by 1stporsche944

i am 16 and just bought a 1985.5 944 and i need to do a timing belt i have a Haynes Manuel but i still don't really know what im doing, can someone tell me the basics or direct me to the answers.

First, welcome.

2nd, tear out the Haynes procedure on belt tightening. NOBODY USES DRILL BITS TO CHECK THE TENSION!!!

3rd. Follow info above and also read what the supplier of a good tension guage says to do:

Home

Procedure:
http://www.arnnworx.com/tensioningbelts.htm
With his tool:
920X Info

If you do not follow these suggestions you will eventually screw up and ruin the head by bending valves.

GL
John

[carsontc]

Originally Posted by 1stporsche944

and i need to do a timing belt

Why? If your belts are old or if it has been 45K miles since the belts were replaced, then good for you.

If a belt is already broken...you probably have other work to do as well.

[MDH]

Burn the haynes manual...........
And then go to Clarks.
And buy good tools.....
And read at Clarks and these boards....lots of hard earned knowledge!
And have fun with it...........
And whatever you break CAN be fixed......I know this.
And always put some money in the car fund
And dammit have fun
Good luck

[ddbach]

+1 on Clark's and Arnworks sites.

Porsche Manuals Here: Documents - Porsche 951 - texasblake.com-
for further detail and things not covered elsewhere.

Ask too if anyone here or on Rennlist is near you and might stop by to give advice as a second pair of eyes and ears when assessing a problem or even to coach you through something a bit challenging as you do it for the first time. Or maybe they are doing something you might be able to watch or help with and learn so you know when you turn around to work on yours. I do this to my brother a fair amount.

[mxfrank]

I found the following three videos most helpful:

YouTube - Porsche 944 Turbo Water Pump Change - part 1.wmv
YouTube - Porsche 944 Turbo Water Pump Change - part 2
YouTube - Porsche 944 turbo Water Pump and Belt change - part 3

I also found the following explanation helpful in setting up the balance shafts:
BalanceShafts

Beyond that, there are articles on clark's garage and arnnworx that will be helpful. I watched the movies all the way through, rerunning parts that I wasn't sure about. He covers everything pretty well, except maybe positioning the balance shafts.

It's pretty much the same operation turbo, or non turbo. 16 valve engines are different, though.

You're going to need a bunch of tools: a crank lock is an absolute must-have, and you'll need a 24mm deep socket to position everything to TDC, and to remove the crank pulley. I found a 34mm deep socket helpful in using the cam gear to adjust tension. A pin wrench is handy for removing the balance shaft pulleys, although there are other tools that would work as well. You can get pretty much everything you need from our hosts at Pelican. The 24mm socket should be no problem buying local. The 34mm socket is also available through any parts store, they're used to remove axle bolts. If you do the fan switch, you'll also need a 30mm wrench or socket.

I did the fan switch, belts, hoses, oil cooler gaskets, and the waterpump at the same time. It required a solid week of work, although the next time through I think the time would be cut in half.

[HondaDustR]

You don't need a crank locking tool if you are only replacing the belts. The cam belt can be carefully slipped past the rear belt cover near the crank sprocket without having to remove all of that. If you need to replace the water pump, you do have to remove all of that, though. Good luck, look at all of the info above carefully, and ask questions if you get stuck or aren't sure of something. It's not a hard job with the right information.

[Roman944]

see if there is someone local to you to help you out with the job

[1stporsche944]

Originally Posted by carsontc

Why? If your belts are old or if it has been 45K miles since the belts were replaced, then good for you.

If a belt is already broken...you probably have other work to do as well.

because the guy i bought it from doesn't know the last time it was changed so i just don't want to worry about destroying my head or pistons

[Mark944na86]

Originally Posted by 1stporsche944

because the guy i bought it from doesn't know the last time it was changed so i just don't want to worry about destroying my head or pistons

Smart move.