my 2001 montero is due for the 60,000 mile timing belt change,but at a cost of $650.00 or more i may wait-question is this a non-interference engine,or will i have major damage if timing belt goes?? ron

 

BIG TIME DAMAGE if it goes

 

$650 for a timing belt?!?!?!?!?! That is OBSCENE!!!!!

 

The car industry figured out how to generate some repeat revenue by going from timing chains to timing belts. $650 seems a little over what I've heard ($500), was that at a dealership? I did my own for just the cost of the belt. If you have some mechanic skills and a decent manual they're not too bad to do. Be sure to also replace the cam shaft seals while you're in there just because they're cheap to do once you've done the labor to get at the timing belt. Be sure to buy an inexpensive tool that locks the cam shafts from turning while you have the belt off, NAPA has them for about $15-$20. The hardest job might be taking off the crankshaft pulley. You either use an impact wrench to take the bolt off or need a way to keep the pulley from turning. If you use a wrench you may need a long bar for the torque needed to break the bolt loose.

 

Major problems...If the belt breaks it will bend the valves and you gonna have major problems then...