Got my Gatorback.....

[jayfotos]

From what I understand(reading other treads), I can just "pop" the old one and slip on the new one.....true?

[coachreed]

Uhhhhh... what? :confused: Am I being blonde (as usual) or did that statment just not make any sense? Pop what? Slip on a new one? Uhhhh... by the time you slip the new one on the damage is already done... that might be a bad thing... then again, if your not talking about a condom, nevermind what I said! lol Sorry... I have read the statment a few times and still have no clue. :confused: Sorry... maybe be more specific.

TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/406banner.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/ironmanvx2000)
Undergoing LS1 Coversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!

[Dallas4u]

I'm assuming Jay meant the serpentine belt...

But kiddies, ALWAYS USE A CONDOM!! ;)

[Tone]

Maybe he means his treads?

[jayfotos]

Yes, the serpentine belt......silly boys.

[redline]

All this popping and slipping ! Is it getting hot in here?;eekp;

[jayfotos]

From what I read, there is a tension spring and can be "moved" to slip a new belt on.....true?

[Navigator]

No need to mess with the tension spring. All you do is lift the belt off the top pulleys with your bare hands to remove the old belt, then thread the new belt on following the diagram then lift it onto the top pulleys again with your bare hands.

[Triathlete]

E Z E Nuff!;Dy;

[jayfotos]

It's allllll goooood!;)

Thanks

[kpaske]

Originally posted by Navigator
No need to mess with the tension spring. All you do is lift the belt off the top pulleys with your bare hands to remove the old belt, then thread the new belt on following the diagram then lift it onto the top pulleys again with your bare hands.

You can't be serious. Is it really that easy???

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

I personally used a socket with rachet on the tensioner to release the spring-tension on the belt and removed it...reverse to install new belt. Easy.

[Bantan]

Originally posted by kpaske
You can't be serious. Is it really that easy???

Yep its that simple!!!

What I did also was draw a diagram, just in case I forgot how to rework it.(the instructions don't cover our Vehicle's application)

[kpaske]

I found a HOWTO written by Randy where he recommends changing the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and radiator hoses all at the same time. Is all of this necessary at 90-100k miles, or is it overkill? The manual says the timing belt should be changed at 100k under normal use, but it doesn't mention any of these other items.

[Green Dragon]

Originally posted by kpaske
I found a HOWTO written by Randy where he recommends changing the timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt, and radiator hoses all at the same time. Is all of this necessary at 90-100k miles, or is it overkill? The manual says the timing belt should be changed at 100k under normal use, but it doesn't mention any of these other items.

Not overkill at all. Tensioners & Water pumps on Isuzus have a tendency to fail at about 100K. Best to change out everything while you have access when changing Timing Belt.

[kpaske]

OK, so I should probably consider changing out the thermostat too then? He didn't include instructions on that part, but others have suggested it.

I'm getting to be pretty handy doing work on the VX, but I'm still a novice when it comes to mechanical work in general. Worst case scenario, how long should I allow to do a job like this? Would it take me longer than a day?

[deermagnet]

I don't have a very good memory, so I printed this diagram to get it right.

Mark
http://www.wtv-zone.com/markg/imag/imag3/belt.jpg

[Ldub]

Unless you already have the intake manifold removed, you won't be changing the thermostat...take a flashlight and look at where they hid that sucker!...nice ya?;)

[kpaske]

Originally posted by Green Dragon
Not overkill at all. Tensioners & Water pumps on Isuzus have a tendency to fail at about 100K. Best to change out everything while you have access when changing Timing Belt.

I went and got some price quotes on all of these parts:

Timing Belt
Beck Arnley $59.78
Gatorback $75.49
Water Pump
ASC $57.99 (New)
GMB $80.99 (New)
Cardone $45.99 (w/Core)
Master $87.99
Upper Hose
Kelly/Springfield $11.99
Goodyear $9.99
Lower Hose
Kelly/Springfield $11.99
Goodyear $19.77
Dayco $7.29
Thermostat
Autozone (Med) $9.99
Duralast (Low-170) $9.99
Failsafe (Low-170) $18.99
Timing Belt Tensioner
???? $171.99

What brands would you guys recommend? Are the most expensive brands necessarily worth the extra money? What about that Timing Belt Tensioner? Is that price insane or what?

[Green Dragon]

I have had good parts service from this site.

http://www.rockauto.com/

[kpaske]

Green Dragon -

I checked out that site, and they do have good prices on a few of those items. For instance, I can get a Beck/Arnley Timing Belt and Tensioner for $198 shipped (while similar parts at Schucks would cost me about $30 more).

However, I'm still a little confused about that TB Tensioner. Obviously it's a part that keeps tension on the timing belt, so I'm assuming it's a good thing to replace, but why the heck is it so expensive? Can someone explain to me what it is and why it costs so darn much?

[Chopper]

exactly that... a spring loaded pulley that keeps a precise amount of tension on the belt preventing any slippage. Critical to keeping timing of the valves etc. in sync. By the way, buy the fail safe thermostat ,and always change the serpentine belt tensioner when you change the "fan"belt as well.

[cascabel3]

Hey Green Dragon,

your machine rocks and so do your pics. Very impressive. I like the front bullguard you have. Is this something one can order?

Tried PM but your box was full.