Man, that's one of the tough things with DIY work....especially mid-engined cars...where things are so tightly/oddly spaced and getting to certain areas can be a huge PITA. I can see how say an engine hoist or a built-in lift can be very useful.

Not to mention this kind of work for many car lovers can be therapeutic and I know when I used to work alot more on my car when I had more time and the space to do it...when you've finally got it done you get a nice sense of accomplishment also, which is nice.

 

Nice repair Jason!

When I first picked up my B5 it was COVERED in oil on the undercarriage and surprise .. it needed everything; cam seal gaskets, half moon gaskets, valve cover gaskets ... simple green / rags to clean up and you'll spot the oil leak much more easily.

Love this update.

 

Is a timing belt job an engine out service?

 

Probably. Especially for Jason.

 

I find standard maintenance, upgrades, and detailing all very relaxing like you mention. Things like this oil leak though I find frustrating a bit frustrating. That all said you are right there is definitely a sense of accomplishment once you finish it all that you have done good work on something you care about to make it better even if that better is just to keep it running well.

 

Damn that is crazy. Yeah I was using an orange oxi based degreaser from chemical guys to clean the lower side followed by a wet towel to wipe off the residue since it said to hose it down after. I wasn't trying to hose the engine down in my garage.

It doesn't have to be but it is suggested by lots of the guys that do it DIY. If you don't drop the engine out of it you have to still unbolt it from two of the engine mounts while supporting it with a jack and then jack it up 5 degrees so you can do part of the procedure. So if you do everything I was listing in the previous post you probably will save a ton of time dropping it out. The one issue with dropping it out is your need to either build or buy a specific engine dolly to support the engine. There are some loose plans out there to build one out of 2x4 and some strong caster wheels or there is a guy that makes them out of metal and they are like $500-600 plus shipping.

Right now I am leaning towards just paying someone to do that big project although I do think it would be fun to learn about it. I am a bit uneasy though about dealing with getting the timing set back up right once you pull the belt and also lift the cams to change the cam plugs and cam seals.

 

Hi Jason.
I love your thorough repairs and documentation.
Thank you.

I would highly recommend a pivoting set of ratchets from snap on...they are a lifesaver in tight spots.

 

I always loved the doing the detailed documentation as much so people could learn from it and also for my records if I ever needed to go back and see something. I have gotten a bit lax though compared to the ones I had done for the TSX in the past.

Yeah I need some pivoting ratchets for sure. The rear bolt I was referring too though was actually getting the valve cover over the rear stud.

 

Ur a rear stud...

 

Nice update! That job did not look like fun.

I'm just remembering this from my CL days, but perhaps replacing the PCV valve would be a good idea. If I remember correctly it can cause an increase in pressure which makes oil leaks more likely.

Love the stance the car!

 

Super dumb question I've never really axed anyone... but how do you get Snap-On tools? Do you just chase down a truck or something? That's always been an odd business model to me but mainly because I've never worked anywhere that the truck just shows up at hawking goods.

 

that's a smart idea,
under pressure maybe.