Camsti

Hey guys my buddy and i are going to replace the timing belt on my 84 and just go by clarks garage instructions.

Is this all i need? And do i need a torque wrench for this job?

http://www.rennbay.com/timing-belt-r...all-p-152.html

http://www.rennbay.com/944-timing-be...b2dca9d8476111

St3mpy

You shouldn't have any problem doing it. It's actually very easy to do, there's just a lot of hype around it. That said, yes a torque wrench is a MUST when working with aluminum engines. It is very easy to strip aluminum threads.

Edit: Truthfully you don't even need the wrench, a pair of needle nose vice grips works fine. You could use that money on a good torque wrench and be in a better position.

krystar

just the belt? or water pump too? for pump i would highly recommend a torq wrench. those bolts are pretty easy to strip.

for timing belt only....i don't see why u 'd need one.

V2Rocket

torque wrench needed to set the rollers and tensioners to the right setting, 33 ftlbs.

944Ross

... and if you're going to do the WP, are you going to upgrade to turbo-style? and don't forget the thermostat... See how these things snowball!?

pettybird

and why don't you have a torque wrench? just go buy one.

bonus12

you actually won't need the "944 Timing Belt Adjustment Wrench" in your second link. But you will definitely need a pin spanner or a substitute such as a a pair of 90-degree bent nose pliers. Get a flywheel lock. also maker sure to get 4ft of leverage on the crank pulley bolt...it can be ridiculous. there are a lot of small things you need to do just right, so i highly recommend some great videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqc0mm-7ukY
(see parts 2 and 3 as well)

good luck...its crazy fun.

Camsti

Yea i already have an electronic torque wrench, i just ordered the kit.

Van

kingston944

Oh not great but excellent videos. Thanks again Van you are the man .

F40LM

Yeah I will be doing my timing belt soon, were it not for Van's videos I wouldn't even consider doing it myself without a experienced helper.

michael

St3mpy

If you're not doing the waterpump, then you don't even have to mess with the harmonic balancer.

JohnKoaWood

84 Doesnt have balanced pulleys, The only balancer pulley set I am aware of is on the 944 S2. (968 eliminated the pulley by using the dual mass flywheel)

The crank pulleys coming off make it easier to remove the timing belt, however not necessary for TB removal / replacement.

TB/WP replacement is one of those tasks that make many 944 owners cringe, but once you have done it (or seen it done) is nowhere as intimidating as it first appears!

Barry Lenoble

Hello,

Well, I certainly would not describe a timing belt change as 'very easy to do.' It's not rocket science, but there are many things that can go wrong. I would state that changing the oil and filter is 'very easy.' Changing brake pads on a 944 turbo is very easy. Changing the timing belt (and balance belt, I hope you are doing both) is certainly not easy.

If you haven't done this before, there are a few potential trouble areas:
-Do you plan on using a fly wheel lock so the engine doesn't move? Personally, I don't do that. I rely on the clutch and transmission to keep the flywheel from moving. If you do want to use the flywheel lock you need to remove the starter. That can be a real PITA
-Have you ever set the engine to TDC? You can get it close with marks on the cam pulley. However, you need to see the reference mark on the flywheel to be sure you have the engine set properly. It's a huge PITA to see the mark. You need to lay on top of the engine and look through a rats next of wires to see the flywheel. And if you don't know what you are looking for, you can easily spend 30 minutes trying to find the mark. This is while someone is under the car turning the engine with the crank bolt.
-Do you plan on removing the crank pulley? If so you NEED to use the flywheel lock. If not (and I don't) it's a real PITA to get the new belt between the pulley and the engine block. You need to twist and pull and sort of fish it into position.
-Since you have an 84 you don't have the automatic tensioner. That makes removing and replacing the belt easier, but it makes tensioning the belt more difficult. Do you have (and know how to use) the tensioning tool? If not, I would not do this job myself.
-Are you going to check all the rollers while you're in there? I had an 87 944 with lots of miles on it (130+k). I bought it b/c the timing belt broke and the owner just wanted it gone. I changed the head and it ran great. I drove it for 2 years and then the lower timing belt roller exploded. That wiped out the head again. Anyway, I would look real close at all the rollers for signs of fatigue, etc.
-Lastly, if you have removed all the bolts, and something doesn't want to come off, look again to make sure you got ALL the bolts out. Porsche loves to use lots and lots of fasteners, and in real hard-to-see spots.

Oh yeah, it takes me around 5 hours to do a timing and balance belt job. I'm not particularly quick, but I do have a lift and airtools.

Good luck,
Barry

bonus12

i agree fully with Barry. it's not easy. if it was, it wouldn't be so much fun.
it requires persistence, patience, and carefulness. it may be a challenge, and it may test your will. but a little common sense and the right tools will get you through the job no problem.

Oh, and for reference, I just finished getting to my water pump (changed all belts and rollers and idlers of course). I had never done a job near this big because before this i had only done some fairly minor work on a honda crx!