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Where is the timing belt located on a 2002 mitsubishi montero sport? IS it part of the 3 belt system?
Country: United StatesMake: MitsubishiModel: Montero Sport limitedYear: 2002Engine: 3.5 Already Tried: Had the 3 belts replaced when fan clutch went out, is the timing belt one of those 3 belts?
Hi,
The timing belt is not part of the three external belts driving the accessories, it is a separate belt just inside the front engine covers.
On this model the timing belt can not be seen or even easily inspected due to the amount and configuration of the accessories on the front of the engine.
The 3 belts that you had replaced when the clutch failed again are separate; The labor to change the timing belt is quite high compared to the 3 accessory belts... you would be aware if it was changed to.
Specifically, in addition to removing the three accessory belts to get to the timing belt, they also need to remove the crank pulley, alternator, all tensioners, main accessory plate (the large aluminum panel on the front of the engine) and the plastic timing covers on the top and bottom.
Once all of that is removed, the timing belt can be serviced (as well as water pump, if desired). Typical labor for replacing the timing belt is in the 3.5-4 hour range, depending on what labor guide the shop is using.Timing belt replacement is recommended every 60,000 miles.... the engine is what is referred to as an interference engine, meaning if the timing belt were to fail the engine will have internal collisions causing more severe damage than just the belt itself. For this reason it is very important to stay on top of timing belt replacements, getting them done as close to 60,000 miles as possible. While some people have been known to go over 100k on these belts, as many or more have been known to fail in the 80k range.
If you have any specific questions, please just let me know and I would be happy to elaborate to your full satisfaction.
Experience: Mitsubishi employed and Factory trained ASE certified technician
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