Hey guys, i'm new to the site because i started a job on a 2002 Lancer E.S. 2.0L engine. I'm replacing the head gasket, valve cover gasket, etc. but im a little stuck. I have everything torn down except i cant get the timing belt off, its too tight. If needed be i'll take the engine mount, power steering pump etc off so i can get the the motor mount and tensioner but i really dont want to have to do that. Is there any way to get the belt off and back on without getting to the tensioner?

 

Would be a good idea to replace the belt too. Most people do the water pump while there taking the timing belt off as well. Do it right the first time

 

The belt was just replaced, it's literally brand new. The only reason i'm replacing the gaskets is because it was passing water and there was oil in the cavity where the wires attatch to the spark plugs

 

I think you could've just did the valve cover gasket and spark plug boots? If your talking about the spark plug area they have boots on them that get worn out.

 

Yeah im doing the boots and valve cover gasket but one of the cylinders has water in it so i'm assuming head gasket as well

 

Probably right but you should just break down and do the belt the right way

 

I have this video saved for a long time

"How to change the timing belt and water pump Mitsubishi Lancer "
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=IBaVA4Xh8-g

 

You will have to pull that mount off. Pretty much any transverse mounted engine has to have that engine mount pulled to change a timing belt.

 

Ok, so what all do i need to take off to get to the tensioner? Do i have to take off all the belts, power steering, alternator etc. or is there an easier way to get the engine mount off?

 

Yeah all the belts and everything need to come off. You do not want do to this with everything in the way you almost guarantee failure. Other than a torque wrench the rest can be done with basic tools. You want to be sure to retighten the tensioner with the correct torque on the bolt. Too hard and you risk it snapping while the engine is running. Too loose and you risk the tensioner slipping and as such the timing belt which would be bad news, I've had plenty of cars brought to me for both these reasons. I suggest searching for the FSM's senate has posted for download.

It sounds to me like you have never done this before or not very often at best. I suggest having someone there to help you out. It not a hard job but you have one shot to do it so if you mess up you will likely have a bigger problem than just a blown hg.

One word of advice is mark the belt with a grease pen or white paint or something. Mark one tooth on the belt and on the pulley on the cam pulley and crank pulley Also put an arrow on top of the belt. This will not only ensure you get the belt back on the same way, it also is soooooo much nicer having to just line the marks you made back up instead of lining up the factory timing marks.

 

This guy will run you step by step on what to do, watch this video.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I got the timing belt off today. I removed all the belts, the power steering pump, and the engine mount that was in the way. Once i got all that off i got to the tensioner through the little hole with a cap on it. I did mark the timing belt and cam gear with a marker to make sure i get it on the right way too.