Anyone changing their belts and parts themselves??

[snelson]

Hi guys,
I don't even own a Delica (YET), but I'd like to know why it seems no one is doing belt changes, water pump replacements etc..themselves? I've searched the site for detailed how-to's, but come up blank.
The reason I ask is that I'm considering importing my Delica with the intention of doing the standard 100K km replacements myself. Am I just not finding the posts, or is the engine difficult to work on, or some other reason?

Thanks guys
Steve

[JMK]

Redefine your search terms and go through some of the threads manually as well. There is a plethora of related information I used the site last week to do just what you're talking about and got part numbers for the belts, tips on methods for accessing and adjusting them, etc. I just posted more part numbers and a list of all the parts required for the T-Belt/Pump job, and a heads up about matching the alternator belts. There are also tips and part numbers for changing the fuel filter, oil filters, air filters, etc.

Probably the best thing to do is set aside a few quite hours, pour a beer, and spend some time just manually crawling through all the various threads and read through them like you're reading a book, it's well worth the effort. Then get started on your project. If you run into snags, put down the wrenches and post the problem and it's amazing how fast the help comes, at least that's what I've found.

[bae146]

Look here for the information you are looking for

http://www.terra2imports.ca/mitsubishi/ ... engine.pdf

If you are mechanically inclined and have the time it is not a really difficult job. Make sure you understand what you are doing before you do the job. Yo will need a 2 jaw puller to remove the pulleys if you are going to change the oil seals. I did mine on the weekend and it took me about 7 hours to accomplish the timing belt change, oil seals and water pump/ thermostat. I found out my balance shaft timing was out by one tooth, it is noticeably smoother now.

[snelson]

Hi guys, thanks for the reponses. I'll definitely search through the site a bit more. It would be great if there was a specific section for "how to's" on this site with pics, tips, etc.

Terrific link too bae146 - just what I was looking for. Will definitely favourite this.

I recently bought a 92 toyota pickup and managed to change all belts, including timing belt and head gaskets using a toyota site/forum. I took a auto mechanics class way back in highschool and between that and using the toyota site, I saved myself over 2000 bucks by doing it all myself.

Looking forward to using this amazing Delica site in a similar way soon.

Steve

[JMK]

That's the same manual we used last week and it did the job. Time to do the job was about the same as yours, but extended over a number of days due to the need to run around and machine a new part. We ran into a few snags along the way that slowed us down:

1: A deep scratch in the oil shaft sleeve so we had to fabricate/machine a replacement from a piston pin.
2: Radiator looked pretty bad inside so removed it and ran it off to the Rad Shop for a flush.
3: Alternator V Belts that were not a matched pair.
5: Had trouble getting a 290 cm AC belt, had to use a furnace belt from Cambodian Tire and then get another later.
4: Installed an circulating heater while we were at it, took and extra couple of hours. Needed to run off and get more fittings and hose (see other post for list).

The vehicle we did has 84,000 km on it. The timing belt looked good but was at the limit of it's tension. Water pump didn't look too bad but was replaced. The B-belt had oil leaking onto it from the problem #1 noted above. The oil seal lips showed they were due for replacement.

While I was at it, I also changed the front and rear Dif fluids, added a grease nipple to the rear U Joint, and put a new set of Nokian Atiiva A/T tires on. Changed the fuel filter and forgot to fill it with Sea Foam (which was on the ready) as suggested in this forum. All in all, last week the Delica got about a $2,500.00 face lift.

Most of the above work is a real PITA. (E.G.: why didn't they just make an alternator belt that was twice as wide instead of using 2 side by side, and why didn't they make it just a wee bit easier to adjust?), compared to something simple like a 93 vintage pickup truck, but Delica's are a labour of Love, or so I'm hoping.

My other biggest bitch with the Delica is the plastic they used for the interior, as you'll soon discover, Mitsubishi used an unfortunate formula for their plastic, most of it is brittle and cracks apart as soon as you try to work on it because it has deteriortated from atmospheric hydrocarbons, much of which contributed by it's own exhaust pipe.

[MardyDelica]

Hi, steve, pls dont try to do it, if you are not used to it to this type of engine.
its not easy you would ended up of getting frustration if you dont do it right. its not easy to do this type of engine.
its better for you to let some body do this for you as you wont have any frustration if you encountered problem,
by the way you only do changing timing belt every 85-90kms. as for my opinion that this is the fair kms you have to change it again when you did the first timing belt change.
this is what i recommend when changing timing belt.
i can help you to change timing belt here in rmd when you pick-up your delica. all parts will be ready for you, just let me know .
hope this help:
cheers;

[bae146]

I concur with Mardy. If you are not an experienced mechanic you should not do this job. If you do it wrong you could toast your engine. This engine is what they call an interference fit engine.... in other works if the timing belt breaks or slips the pistons come up and hit the valves, this causes lots of damage.