cambelt change advice for a 1.6 16v

[spats]

I want to change the cambelt on my 1.6 before it goes to my friend as they are even less mechy minded than me!

but ive never done one on the astra before, so could some kind person give me the low down on what i need to strip out the way and anything else worth knowing?

thanks

 

[Andy_Mk3]

Just copied the autodata guide for you

http://rapidshare.com/files/444328981/x16xelcambelt.pdf

 

[spats]

absolute star!
that should make it easy

 

[tintin]

A pot of tipex is also a true winner when doing cambelts. I always paint the timing marks with it and then if you still feck it up you can sniff the stuff till you've forgotten about your balls up.

 

[wotsthestory]

I've got the 1.6 camshaft lock tool for sale, £5 in items for sale.

 

[danh]

When me and terry did mine, we found it best to lock the flywheel because the bottom pulley bolt was foooking tight.

We used a 4mm allen key to lock it in place. Bring it round to mine if you want and ill lend a hand doing so.

 

[Mr.Negative]

Special Tools = none? Torque wrench (idle pulleys ect.) and trox sockets (bottom pulley)?

 

[Andy_Mk3]

Special Tools = none? Torque wrench (idle pulleys ect.) and trox sockets (bottom pulley)?

Special tools mean specific locking tools.

 

[Loffty01]

so the cams need locking then i gather from what i can make out

 

[Neve'o]

they dont need locking but it can make the job easier, it just stops the cams turning a tooth or too when your not looking

 

[Loffty01]

would you lock them if you were doing it for the first time just to be safe mate

 

[Astraguy09]

Yup. When I did it for the first time I just slipped the belt off thought the timing marks would be obvious but on the cams they need to be pointing at each other! I always use mole grips to lock them.

 

[Rusty]

Do the water pump while you're down there, it's only 3 bolts.

 

[Loffty01]

would it be best to use some type of sealent on the water pump to help the ring seal to the block

 

[Astraguy09]

You could if you want. A normal gasket sealant will do the job

 

[Rusty]

No need though, the large O ring that comes with them does the job just fine.

 

[Neve'o]

just make sure the surface of which the o-ring seals agaisnt is completely clean! I usually smear a little grease/sealant on the o-ring to help the sealing.

 

[Loffty01]

just make sure the surface of which the o-ring seals agaisnt is completely clean! I usually smear a little grease/sealant on the o-ring to help the sealing.

Can you get this anywhere mate ,what is called by any chance

 

[wotsthestory]

I got some gasket sealant from my local motor factors, can't remember what it's called. But it was clear and not designed to stick, just aid putting it together. Which was useful because the rubber gasket on the thermostat is a pain in the arris to get in the channel and then fasten up on the X20XEV