[V6-12v] Timing belt trouble

[Tom Christiansen]

Folks,

Thank you for all your suggestions for bolt removers, stud removers, etc.

I was pushing my comfort level a bit trying to change that timing 
belt. When I stripped the head on one of the Allen bolts holding the 
dampener in place, I decided to chicken out and let the pros do it. 
Next time I'll try again myself.

Morale: Take your time on the job. Make sure the tools are in good 
condition and seated properly in/on the bolts. With those Allen head 
bolts on the dampener you are in deep sh*t if you strip the heads on 
the bolts. I would think a bolt removal tool that bites into the hex 
would work, but stud removers will require that you remove the 
12-point big bolt at the center of the crankshaft. Otherwise, there 
won't be enough room to get the stud remover (or twist sockets) onto 
the bolt. That opens up a whole new can of worms...

If this had been a project car, I would have spent some time trying 
the stud removers, bolt extractors, etc. But as it's my daily driver 
and I _REALLY_ need the car on Monday when I start in a new job, I 
didn't want to take the chance.


If anybody needs a timing belt kit (belt, roller, tensioner, water 
pump) for an AAH/AFC engine, please let me know.


Tom