timing belt replacement

Hi there,

This engine has a timing belt, here is how to replace the timing belt int he diagrams and instructions below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

I'm told the timing belt needs to be part of the 60,000 mile maintenance. Where can I get a listing of the routine maintenance to expect with some ball-park costs? Thanks.

APPLICATION
LABOR TIME V6 8.0 hr
Maintenance Details 
Add Detail Lines as Notes Please Note: Maintenance detail items may include multiple vehicle configurations. Therefore, it may be necessary to edit the detail items on the worksheet. 60,000 Miles (96,000 Kilometers) : All Applicable Models

OPERATIONCOMPONENT
INSPECT BALL JOINTS
INSPECT BRAKE HOSES
INSPECT BRAKE LININGS
INSPECT COOLANT HOSES & CLAMPS
INSPECT DISC BRAKE PADS & ROTORS
INSPECT DISTRIBUTOR CAP
INSPECT DRIVE BELTS For generator, water pump and power steering pump.
INSPECT DRIVESHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT DUST BOOTS
INSPECT EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM Except EVAP emission canister.
INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM Check and service connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and converter heat shields.
INSPECT FUEL HOSES
INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM Inspect tank, pipe line and connection, and fuel tank filler tube cap. Check for leaks.
INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE SEALS
INSPECT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
REPLACE AIR CLEANER/ELEMENT
REPLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER
REPLACE COOLANT
REPLACE ENGINE OIL
REPLACE ENGINE OIL FILTER
REPLACE IGNITION CABLES/WIRES
REPLACE MANUAL TRANSAXLE FLUID
REPLACE SPARK PLUGS Platinum-tipped spark plugs.
REPLACE SPARK PLUGS Standard Type.
REPLACE TIMING BELT
ROTATE TIRES

Engine Mechanical problem
2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 170k miles

My son's Eclipse timing belt broke while driving down the road. I have a sneaky suspicion that this is an interference engine, and valve/piston damage may have occurred. I haven't replaced the belt yet, to find out, but I was wondering if I would be wasting my time by replacing the belt.

Oh yeah, all of the Jap overhead cam engines (seems like that is all of them) are interference engines.

If you all have is a few bent valves, consider yourself lucky.


May as take the head off and have a look. There is nothing else you can do.

I need some 02 parts, if you decide to junk it.

Thanks for the reply. I did start to dig into it last night. I pulled the valve cover, and spun the cam around, and I didn't notice any valves hanging open (not to say that there's no damage), and none of the rockers got loose during the rotation. I'm feeling a little better about it, but I do understand that I'm not out of the woods. I did find that the counter balance shaft belt was broken, and I'm thinking that it went first, and debris got into the sprocket for the timing belt, and took that out. Thanks again for the reply.

i have a 2001,came home last night,got up this morn car won't start,turns over fine but moter won't start where would you start?

I'd start by seeing if codes are in the computer.

I'm betting its either electrical or fuel related. Fuel being the easiesit to rule out. Turn your key on off 2-3 times, then press the xerx fitting on your fule rail and see if fuel sprays out, it if does its developing good pressure and most likely ignition. Turn the motor over several times and pull a pluig or 2 and check if they are wet with gas (not water) This will r/o the fuel pump.

If you ensure that you have fuel, then you need the codes. The computer may have decided to quit on you. Seems like mots other sensors would make the car run crappy for a while and not just shut down so sudenly.

I've always been told that my timing belt should be changed at around 50,000 - 60,000 miles but am now being advised to change my timing belt because my car is 5 years old. What's the truth?

You don't have to replace, but it would make sense to at least inspect it.

my car timing belt went and the mechanic said that the valves are vend can this be possible?

Understanding of interference engines..the belt and it is not the chain link.
You have to change that belt minimum 60k miles everytime max 80k miles if your lucky. If it breaks which it did, valves are bent, pistons are gone, the engine is complete junk. You now need to buy a new engine or get rid of the car. Big price to pay for a $250-$300 repair at a autoshop ( part and labor). it happens sorry!

How to set the timing belt?

This routine belt replacement or did belt brake while driving? if latter engine is interference so it has bent valves so head needs to come off and valves replaced

What is the procedure to change it out?

If you're not mechanically inclined, I'd recommend that you take it to someone who is. I replaced the water pump on my son's Eclipse last year, and it was a real son-of-a-bitch. Now, I have to replace his timing belt, and I have to go in just as deep to get to it as I did the water pump. I've been working on cars/trucks/semi's for 25 years, and I wouldn't wish this job on anyone. If you think you want to tackle the job, let me know, and I'll give you a list of what you'll need.

car broke timing belt, took to service shop and had timing and balance belts replaced. drove it for a week, never seemed quite right, started getting really noisy value noises. took it to another shop, came to be that the balancebelt was 180 degress off. and the timing belt was three teeth off. the oil pump was 180 out. this new shop got everyting aligned and in place and seems to be running as it should, but there is still loud noises in the valve train... what could it be? thank you for your responce ahead of time.

Hi trinityjosh,

If the noise seems intermittent at times, it could be due to the valve lifters that are hydraulically operated. It is quite common for these to occur.

Is the idling of engine very smooth?

My timing belt came off n I was needing to know how I get everything back in time.