Timing Cover Removal

[jlhog]

1996 TXT. Is there an easy way to remove the timing belt cover? I removed the three bolts that hold the cover on and it appears the clutch needs to come off first. So I try to remove the clutch and I cannot get the bolt all the way out of the clutch. It hits the mount for the leaf spring. Dont tell me I need to remove the motor for something this simple. HELP Please

[rvkersh]

Jack the car up at the rear, the bolt should clear. You will need a clutch puller to remove the clutch.
Bob

[jlhog]

That sounds easy enough. Thanks a ton....

[worqhors]

I commented a year ago that the engine design is faulty as you cannot remove the timing belt cover without first removing the primary clutch. Which you should. No, you don't have to remove the engine. Somehow, you can manage to swing the clutch to have access to the cover.

[jlhog]

Well I removed the clutch today. It was not easy but I did WIN. I jacked the cart up and the 3/4' bolt would not clear the spring mount. After grinding some of that away the bolt was straight enough the thread in. I tried the grease method first and that did not work. I had some 5/8 threaded rod so I was going to cut some of that to put in the hole. That was when I remembered my hack saw is at the lake. So I used my trusty grinder to cut a short piece. After putting the rod in the hole and starting the bolt I tried a rachet on the socket. No Go. Next up was my electric impact. After several good runs at it the darn thing fell off the cart finally. Now I can get the timing cover off and replace the timing belt that has a small cut in it. I also will install a new clutch as mine has seen better days.

[rvkersh]

When jacking the car up, jack from the frame and not the axle. That allows the rear axle weight to extend the rear suspension enough for the bolt clear the frame and spring hanger. If you have heavy duty springs, remove the rear leaf spring bolt on the drivers side to get enough clearance.

[jlhog]

i jacked the frame up until the rear axle came off the jackstand. I also loosened up the u bolts on the springs hoping to clear. The grinder worked, just more work..

Originally Posted by rvkersh

When jacking the car up, jack from the frame and not the axle. That allows the rear axle weight to extend the rear suspension enough for the bolt clear the frame and spring hanger. If you have heavy duty springs, remove the rear leaf spring bolt on the drivers side to get enough clearance.

[scottyb]

Another method is to remove the front motor mount attachment and jack the motor up until the clutch puller clears the frame and the impact can be used on it. Glad to hear you got it...

[jlhog]

I replaced the timing belt today. If I put it back together and it is off one tooth will it make a difference? Im pretty sure I got it right, but it could be off one. I just dont want to screw it up...

[rvkersh]

One tooth will make a difference, need to fix it,it will affect the power.