surfdog4

Thanks to all who gave me advice along the way. I finally got my '81 running again. For some reason, I'm idling at ~1000 rpms but that's a job for another day!

For the newbs who are contemplating tackling this project, I offer the following "lessons learned" and advice:

+ Cheap 2-arm gear puller is a godsend..the 3 arm guys won't get behind all the pulleys and gears
+ Check water pump manufacturer before you order replacement so you don't eat the core charge..mine turned out to be a LASO so ate the core charge..next time i would look first and perhaps order from someone with the lowest overall price
+ Pulling the radiator is probably worth the time..it's not hard and it gives you lots of room
+ The cam, oil pump, and crank shaft seals are not as intimdating as you think..
+ A long breaker bar is extemely valuable for the crank bolt, turning the engine, and the camshaft bolt..i got a 1/2" drive and it worked fine (harbor freight)..and it makes you look manly!
+ If you own a pre '82, they don't make the bolt that holds the tensioner arm (through the idler pulley) anymore..treat it nicely! (mine was all rusted and slightly bent from leak and overtight pulley

mark kibort

Feels good dont it!!???

nice job!

Dont forget the flywheel lock! also a great tool to buy and have.

mk

surfdog4

you're right..flywheel lock and kempf tool

the flyin' scotsman

When I did my first tbelt project I followed John Pirtles detailed advice and made sure I did the 'dance' when finaly the belt was off and in hand................a rite of passage

Congrats on 'gettin 'er done'.

fraggle

Big congrats!!!!!

Its a big deal to do this amount of work yourself.

Bill Ball

Congrats!

marton

Well done!

You mean the bolt that was replaced for later versions by a stud on the water pump .
On mine I changed to the later pump; I think it is a better design.

Marton
About the high idle; worth checking if you snagged the throttle cable somewhere during the work.

surfdog4

You know, i forgot to do the dance! Probably because my old belt had been grinding itself to death on the tensioner arm and as a result I had gobs of black "cotton candy" (the shredded remains of the belt) plus melted plastic all over the place (the remains of the center cover)..combined with the oil leaks..what a mess!

Mike Frye

Congrats on a job well done. Happy New Year, now drive it!

Mako 928

Congrats. on the T-belt job. It is a good feeling when it is a one man show.
Now you are ready for the steering rack, MM, oil pan gasket and rod bearings on jack stands on your back in a cold *** garage in winter..... sorry I am just having a flashback I'll be allright in a minute.

Giovanni

LOL, I just finished with changing the TB on my 89. I had the rear hatch open and the hood open. I started the car and it it idled fine. Turned it off and went back to inspect the fuel delivery system and no leaks. Started the car again. I just stepped out the car trying to listen for any weird noise etc and just a split second before turning the engine off the damn hatch fell and closed. Man, it scared the crap out of me. I though the engine exploded, lol.

surfdog4

it is a tense moment when you get ready to turn that key to the right for the first time.....

SeanR

That would have lead to a heart attack for me. Dang.