Well after 12 hours of work, my timing belt job is complete. I can see why it costs so much to have done now!


Now that was some dirty coolant! After changing the stuff, I seem to be running a little cooler.


Make sure you buy a big can of gasket remover, that water pump gasket is tough!


Halfway back together!


My Abnormally Aspirated snub has been sitting in my trunk for 6 months now. What a difference it made too! It's probably not as dramatic as in a standard, but it stopped my tranny from "thunking" when it shifts.


You may notice in picture #4 the little brown ground wire. Well boys and girls, make sure that one is connected. It leads into the ABS unit, and it causes all kinds of suprises if unconnected! I was pretty scared when I the check engine light illuminated and I recieved misfires in cylinders 1-3. Not quite sure how it came undone. If anyone has a chance, could they look to see where the factory grounding spot is for it?

 

Good job. Which engine do you have? Your engine does not look like mine?

 

I have the 12V engine.

 

EEK!!! Engine ****!

Thanks for the pics Jester! Now who wants to do this with the 1.8t? (evil grin)

 

lol been there done that ....

Jared you should have ran some coolant flush through there that stuff is nasty[:'(]

 

Speaking of that... I had that done around 60k... cost me a crap load of money, about $900.

In the process, I bought a timing belt upgrade kit thinking I would cut cost by bringing in my own part... NOPE, it seems to be a liability issue bringing in parts.

SO i got that for sale if anyone is interesting in striping apart theyre car.

 

Yeah I was quoted 1200 at the dealer and 600 at a local shop. Too much! I'm glad I decided to do the work myself. Learned a lot about my car in the process.

 

Like I always say.... why pay someone $1200.... or even $600 to do a job when you can do it yourself for 3 easy installments of $free.99?!

 

Great job Jestnomen!

 

Did you follow a write-up or manual, and if so where can I get one? Would you recommend doing this as a rookie mechanic? Would it be any different on a 98' 2.8?