Mechanical Help Needed - SoCal - Will pay for help!

[nwoods]

Russell, I would love to do that. Sean (SoCalMonty) has been helpful also, but he's been pretty busy lately. Doing it at your house certainly makes that more convenient for him, and might help make that happen, and he DOES have Montero specific knowledge. I don't currently have anything planned for next Saturday, the 17th. Would that work for you?

With JCoster's recent awesome posting of all the part numbers, and Kurt's contacting about sourcing said parts, I think things are coming together nicely. I am so grateful for my ExPo friends!

 

[stioc]

I'll shoot you an email or a PM about the timing.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Nathan,

Looks like you've got this job covered? I'd really recommend spending the time sorting through 4x4wire's antquated search engine...there are some real Montero gurus over there and you'll find very informative posts regarding t-belt changes (including a walk-thru). Luckily, a couple of them are also over here.

Pay attention to the brand names of the parts you're buying. While I'm not necessarily an OEM freak (often other brands are more than adequate), there are still a few parts from a few aftermarket companies I would avoid. Everyone has their preferences, and ultimately, that's usually what it comes down to. FWIW, I usually don't buy OEM unless (1) there are no other options, or (2) the OEM part costs about the same as the aftermarket version.

The t-belt job isn't particularly difficult, but it's time consuming. Plan on 2 days so you're better safe than sorry...better than fighting daylight if it takes longer than anticipated and rushing to get it done, then realizing you have leftover hardware when you're finally "finished." I rushed a headgasket job once, on a Volvo. Did a 5 cyl 20v headgasket in under an hour, start to finish!

Sure, I had a headgasket leftover when I was finished...but man, under an hour?! Awesome! :wings:

 

[Seeker]

Have you searched youtube? Im pretty certain there are youtube videos shoing how to search youtube. Damne near everything Ive wanted to be able to see done before I do work on my truck Ive been able to find. Try popping in a few terms like your engine model or year and model of car and then the service type and you'll likely come back with a few vids.

This isnt to say this is a replacement for having access to someone knowledgeable, but it is a great way to see what youre getting yourself into before you actually do it. I know my first timing belt on my Taco (no monty, I know) was about a full day and included belts, plugs, rad svc, and a lot of time just thinking things through. Allot yourself a full weekend and start early in the morning.

As a hobbyist and shade tree mech with a few tools, I'd be happy to help but Ive got the axle ripped out from under my FJ62 and need to focus my time.

--Allen

 

[SoCalMonty]

Pics aren't hosted any longer, but I'll see if I can track Justice down. He probably has them locally.

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=742611&page=0&fpart=3&vc=1

 

[nckwltn]

I had a problem with an aftermarket water pump. The housing was a little thicker in one spot, which caused the accessory mount to not sit flush on all posts, which caused some alignment problems for the oil filler cap bracket.... pretty much forced me to do the water pump job twice.

 

[DSouth]

I'm in YL as well. I'm just a shade-tree mechanic but I've yet to find a job I couldn't handle. As far as not wanting to get stuck along the way of fixing things, buying factory parts is best, but it's also the most expensive way. I've not yet worked on Montero's but they are only short list of future purchases, so I'd love the chance to help swing a wrench, make some friends and learn. let me know if I can help.

 

[nwoods]

DSouth, welcome to the neighborhood! I am over near the Nixon library. Right now Sean (SoCalMonty) and Russell (Stoic) and I are thinking Saturday the 14th down in Lake Forest. I am happy to car pool with you, just i case I may need a ride home You can drive the Monty, and I'll take my other car down.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Good luck with this, brohemian. Hope you get it all sorted.

 

[DSouth]

Nice. I'm up on the hill (Vista Del Verde). 14th will be tough for me. I get back at 6 AM on a red-eye. I don't think I can commit to making that day, and I won't know until probably morning of. What time you thinking about heading down to Lake Forest?

 

[dms1]

Nobody has mentioned this, but you should purchase a factory repair manual for your specific vehicle. I am a Toyota guy so I dont know much about your vehicle brand, but you might also want search for a discount dealer to buy OEM parts and skip rock auto.

 

[nwoods]

No need to purchase them, they are available as free PDF scans. I have run OCR and indexed them, and refer to them frequently. However, the Service Manuals all seem to assume some level of mechanical knowledge and ability, and skip a lot of steps. Such as: "Remove timing belt, replace with part #....."

 

[dms1]

OK, The Toyota manuals are pretty thorough and have step by step take apart instructions, I have tried to do shortcuts in the past but end up using their instructions in the end. I still recommend looking for a discount OEM parts dealer online, in the Toyota world I use Bob Bridget Toyota or Toyota of Dallas whose parts are usually only 10-20% more than non OEM parts.

 

[Mudrunner]

OEMmitsubishiparts.com I believe is the discount OEM dealer for mitsu.

 

[DSouth]

I'm curious. How did it go? Any pictures from the day's efforts?