Timing Belt Cover

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

2.3L/2.5L Engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Rotate the engine so that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Check that the timing marks are aligned on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. An access plug is provided in the cam belt cover so that the camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any other parts. Set the crankshaft to TDC by aligning the timing mark on the crank pulley with the TDC mark on the belt cover. Look through the access hole in the belt cover to make sure that the timing mark on the cam drive sprocket is lined up with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

   NOTE: Always turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation. Backward rotation may cause the timing belt to jump time, due to the arrangement of the belt tensioner.

3. Drain cooling system. Remove the upper radiator hose as necessary. Remove the fan blade and water pump pulley bolts.

   CAUTION
   When draining the coolant, keep in mind that cats and dogs are attracted by ethylene glycol antifreeze, and are quite likely to drink any that is left in an uncovered container or in puddles on the ground. This will prove fatal in sufficient quantity. Always drain the coolant into a sealable container. Coolant should be reused unless it is contaminated or several years old.

4. Loosen the alternator retaining bolts and remove the drive belt from the pulleys. Remove the water pump pulley.
5. Loosen and position the power steering pump mounting bracket and position it aside.
6. Remove the timing belt outer cover retaining bolts and any interlocking tabs and remove the cover.

   To install:

7. Install the timing belt cover.
8. Install the water pump pulley and fan blades. Install upper radiator hose if necessary. Refill the cooling system.
9. Position the alternator and drive belts, then adjust and tighten it to specifications.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.

3.0L Engine (MPV)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and drain the cooling system.
2. Drain the engine coolant.
3. Remove the air cleaner duct assembly.
4. Remove the cooling fan and radiator shroud.
5. Remove the accessory drive belt.
6. Remove the A/C compressor idler pulley.
7. Remove the crankshaft pulley.
8. Remove the coolant bypass and upper radiator hoses.
9. Remove the timing belt covers.

   Fig. 2: Remove the A/C compressor belt idler pulley assembly

   Fig. 3: Remove the cooling system bypass hose between the upper and lower hoses at the engine

   Fig. 4: Disconnect the upper radiator hose at the engine

   Fig. 5: Remove the mounting fasteners, then remove the left side timing belt cover

   Fig. 6: Note the locations of the timing belt cover mounting fasteners

   Fig. 7: After removing the mounting fasteners, remove the right side timing belt cover

   To install:

10. Install the timing belt covers and cover gaskets. Tighten the timing belt cover fasteners to 70–95 inch lbs. (8–11 Nm).
11. Install the coolant bypass and upper radiator hoses. Tighten the hose clamps.
12. Install the crankshaft pulley.
13. Install the A/C compressor idler pulley.
14. Install the accessory drive belt.
15. Install the cooling fan and the radiator shroud.
16. Install the air cleaner duct assembly.
17. Fill and bleed the cooling system.
18. Connect the negative battery cable.
19. Run the engine and check for leaks and proper operation. Check the idle speed and the ignition timing.