front end 60k completed

[Bank of SHO]

Thanks to all the help you all provided, I've successfully completed the front end 60k and thermostat, ECT, temp sender replacement. As a token of my appreciation I've just made a donation to the SHOforum (albeit a modest one-wish I could do more).

Things went quite well. You all smoothed over the rough spots for me. A special "thank you" goes to Scott for taking the time to personally email me the timing belt procedure and "talking" me through a couple of tough spots.

The car started right up, but was squealing a lot at startup and intermittently on the interstate. It was especially bad when the a/c engaged. Anyway, a search pointed me to a loose alternator/a/c belt. That did the trick. BTW, how do you fit a torque wrench on the tensioner pulley retaining nuts? I just hand-torqued it with a 3/8 ratchet again.

One more question: is it normal to have some coolant 'steam' around the lower front of the engine after a refill? It is wafting around near the forward cat. There are no leaks that I can see though, and the temperature is normal.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[luigisho]

Good job sir. A thumbup for Scott. A class act.

As for the coolant, did you replace the water pump or the lower hose? Some might have spilled on the various parts there but it should burn off/evaporate soon. Keep your eye on the coolant level and if it continues to steam off you should get in there for another look.

 

[sdpatt]

Good job and you are very welcome. When the water pump is removed, it is nearly impossible not to get some coolant on the front bank cat. The coolant will soak the insulation between the cat's heat shield and the cat and will boil away in short time. Just verify that there are no leaks visible at the bottom of the lower timing belt cover or the lower radiator hose.

I have never been able to fit a torque wrench on that front tensioner pulley either. You are not alone.

 

[Bank of SHO]

Thanks guys. The smoking/steaming seems to be over. The fluid levels are pretty stable. I add a little coolant to the bottle occasionally, but I know this is to be expected until the the system is purged of air. The car really sounds healthy, what a roar! thumb

Thanks much,
Tom