I have an 02 Eclipse V6 that needs a new timing belt (water pump, tensioners, etc.) and head gasket. I'm pretty good with this kind of stuff but I'm in a little over my head one this one.

I can get the parts, but I need a mechanic to put it all in. I want to be there when he fixes it so that I can learn more about working on that car. Does anyone have a good recommendation? I'd prefer the mechanic be ASE certified, but it's not a deal breaker.

If insurance/liability is an issue I've got a garage and workshop with all the tools needed to do the repairs.

Thanks in advance

5/29/2012 11:02:52 PM

The best way to learn is to do it yourself... and if you break something, that's the cost of learning.

And a drive belt isn't the same as a timing belt. It seems like you're changing the drive belt?

This isn't too hard usually, and you can't really break too much that can't be easily fixed. I'd say just find a good guide online, be careful, have a buddy with you, and you'll be okay.

5/30/2012 1:40:27 AM

if OP is after replacement head gasket... probably doesn need a timing belt.

5/30/2012 7:39:45 AM

I think it's the timing belt. What's the difference? I just got the car a week ago and there weren't any records with it other than the last oil change on the windshield. Mechanic said timing belt has significant wear and should just be replaced since you don't know the last time it was replaced (Mitishibishi says ever 60k). It runs now, but the head gasket is slowly leaking oil and one of the seals near the timing belt is too.

5/30/2012 8:33:53 AM

The mechanic you went to tried to scare you into paying him to do a lot of work on the car you just bought. Get a second opinion.

5/30/2012 8:54:15 AM

exterior oil leak =/= failed head gasket.

timing belt is a good routine maintenance item.... it is time for.....


A
SECOND
OPINION

5/30/2012 9:36:02 AM

Sounds like a leaky valve cover gasket. Man fuck wanting cheap labor and to watch and play 20 questions the whole time someone is doing the job. Do it with a friend or by yourself and train yourself

5/30/2012 11:23:55 AM

Is it a 2.5L v6?

5/30/2012 2:44:58 PM

^^ Checked and yes to the valve cover gasket. Still could use some help with the timing belt though.

^It is the V6 (3L)

5/30/2012 3:11:26 PM

Quote :

"exterior oil leak =/= failed head gasket."

This...Is it leaking oil that you can see running/dripping on the engine or is it leaking oil internally where it either burns up (causing smoke from exhaust) or ends up in the coolant (causing the coolant to look muddy)?

As for the timing belt/water pump/tensioners...If you're going to keep this car for quite a while and you don't have a record of when it was done I'd say go for it. It's worth it for the piece of mind and so you don't destroy the engine over a $30 belt (if it's an interference engine). You'll get fresh coolant with the timing belt/water pump swap and you might as well do a drain and fill on the transmission too. It's a good way to kick off ownership of a used car.

5/30/2012 3:15:13 PM

I have step by step directions (at home) for replacing the water pump and timing belt on a 96 dodge avenger's 2.5L v6, which is a Mitsubishi engine. If you are mechanically apt and can do basic maintenance on your car then you should be fine to this job. The hardest part for me was removing the harmonic balancer to access the timing gear covers. Having a shop with high pressure air tools would have helped me greatly.

5/30/2012 4:46:43 PM

^^ It's oil running out the side, coolant's okay, and no smoke coming from the exhaust. I looked back at the mechanic's info and it was the valve cover gasket they were talking about. I can pull that one off.

^I'll look up directions online and see how involved it is. Maybe it is easier than I think.

5/30/2012 6:07:31 PM

Quote :

"exterior oil leak =/= failed head gasket."

Well, kinda. Head gaskets can and will leak oil on some engines. The leak comes from the head gasket but does not really mean it has failed...

The good news is, if you do have an oil leak at the head gasket, it isn't a serious problem.

5/30/2012 11:32:19 PM