My first Montero (2003 3rd Gen Limited) Build Thread

[jasonsuperb]

Replaced the Serpentine Belt and worn out idler pulley. Next on the list was the timing belt. Only reason it is on the list is I have no idea if it has ever been replaced. The truck came with no service history and the car fax, and mitsubishi have no record of it being done. Its currently at 89k so if it wasn't done at the recommended 60k it is way over due. The FSM says you can check the belt for wear a number of ways but doesn't seem to specify how to remove the cover.

Does anyone know if you can easily remove an inspection cover to inspect the belt without going through all the steps to replace the belt (removing the radiator etc)? If I can remove the inspection cover will there be any indications on whether it is the original belt or a replacement? The FSM says to look for wear and cracks etc.

 

[limp_noodle]

I know the 3.5 has an inspection cover on the passenger's side cam gear cover. The 3.8 might have one too. Just like all belts see if it's cracked or worn like you said.

 

[cacattack]

Replaced the Serpentine Belt and worn out idler pulley. Next on the list was the timing belt. Only reason it is on the list is I have no idea if it has ever been replaced. The truck came with no service history and the car fax, and mitsubishi have no record of it being done. Its currently at 89k so if it wasn't done at the recommended 60k it is way over due. The FSM says you can check the belt for wear a number of ways but doesn't seem to specify how to remove the cover.


Does anyone know if you can easily remove an inspection cover to inspect the belt without going through all the steps to replace the belt (removing the radiator etc)? If I can remove the inspection cover will there be any indications on whether it is the original belt or a replacement? The FSM says to look for wear and cracks ethic.

On the 3.8 there is a little access window on the passenger side. It can be removed with a flat head screw driver. The window is really too small to do you any good. I think it's only there to be able to see if the belt was slung, i don't think it will give you any clear indication as to the condition of the belt.

Just as FYI... the radiator does NOT need to be removed to do the timing belt and water pump replacement.

 

[jasonsuperb]

Thanks for that info @cacattack the instructions that came with my timing belt said to remove the radiator so I assumed it was necessary. Have you done the timing belt / water pump at home? Would love to save the $500 in labor and have the satisfaction of doing it myself.


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[earljuic3]

It's not that daunting to do it in the driveway. Lots of room with the radiator out.


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[cacattack]

Thanks for that info @cacattack the instructions that came with my timing belt said to remove the radiator so I assumed it was necessary. Have you done the timing belt / water pump at home? Would love to save the $500 in labor and have the satisfaction of doing it myself.


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Plenty of room without radiator removal. No need to remove the power steering pump and AC compressor as your manual probably suggests. Put a slice of cardboard in front of the radiator to protect it from any mishaps. I have done timing belt, water pump, bearings, tensioner, all sensors on two different Gen3's in my garage with simple tools. Do not spend the 1500.00 taking it to the dealer. This is an mild job and I am no mechanic. Be cautious, make sure you keep track of all the bolts and use the manual to verify torque specs. Use genuine parts, you're saving a lot of money doing this yourself. Ping me if you have any questions or concerns. It's very straight forward. Plan to do it over a full weekend, don't rush it, take your time. Good luck!

 

[jasonsuperb]

Wow thanks @cacattack very helpful. I also found this vid on youtube of a belt replacement on a 3.5 which is apparently very similar, he had the engine out of the truck though so it must be much easier to get to everything that way. I also want to do everything else possible while I am in there. I have a new water pump, valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets, will probably also get new spark plugs since i'm in there. Is there anything else worth doing while I have it apart. He mentions replacing the crank sensor and cam sensor?
This is the youtube vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJlVz9SawEE
I bought this kit from auto zone. http://www.autozone.com/ignition-tu...mponent-kit/162795_658265_7453/?checkfit=true

Do you think it is not a good idea to use this? Should I return it and buy all the same parts from the mitsubishi dealer?

 

[jasonsuperb]

Just ordered new tires. Went back and forth for days but ended up getting 285/75/16 BFG KO2 E rated tires. Would have loved to get the same tire in a 255/85/16 but they only make those in KM2. I have KM2s on my landcruiser and want this truck to be more road friendly. I am hoping these will be a good compromise between off road ability and on road comfort / fuel efficiency.

I got a great deal at 4 wheel parts. $182 per tire with free shipping! So if you are in the market for tires check it out.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=BFG75445&catID=13&subCat=536&ptID=101509

 

[cacattack]

Wow thanks @cacattack very helpful. I also found this vid on youtube of a belt replacement on a 3.5 which is apparently very similar, he had the engine out of the truck though so it must be much easier to get to everything that way. I also want to do everything else possible while I am in there. I have a new water pump, valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets, will probably also get new spark plugs since i'm in there. Is there anything else worth doing while I have it apart. He mentions replacing the crank sensor and cam sensor?
This is the youtube vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJlVz9SawEE
I bought this kit from auto zone. http://www.autozone.com/ignition-tu...mponent-kit/162795_658265_7453/?checkfit=true

Do you think it is not a good idea to use this? Should I return it and buy all the same parts from the mitsubishi dealer?

Personally, with the amount of money that you're saving doing this on your own, i'd suggest using the highest quality parts possible, if you plan to keep the truck and if the budget is there. I hate the water pumps that come in those autozone kits, as they are only half the pump and basically unassembled. The OE Pump will come as a single unit and the quality difference is noticeable. You can order the parts from mitsubishiparts.net for a fraction of what your dealer would charge you. While there, i'd certaily recommend changing all positioning sensors, thermostat and oil pressure sensors. When it comes to doing jobs like this, i always spend the extra on the necessary tools and parts simply because of the money that you're saving doing it on your own. I just did everything on my 2005 Gen 3 and paid around 400 bucks for all OE parts and still saved roughly $1-1.2k what dealer would have charged me.

Good luck!

Craig

 

[kbahus]

I would plan on removing the a/c and power steering pump to get the front case/cover off. You can just rest them in the engine bay without removal of the lines. I don't know how other folks have gained access without doing it. You will also want to update the crank pulley bolt and there are two tools you will want to purchase to make your life as easy as possible:

OTC 7997 to tension the belt

Gearwrench 3900 to hold the crank pulley. Both are available from amazon or tooltopia.