This morning I finished my 180,000 mi timing belt replacement. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. The only pressure was that I had to get it done in a narrow window of time...so I didn't take time for pics or notes for a write-up. Thank goodness for pneumatic tools, nice weather, conservative talk radio (), and a dedicated shop full of every tool I needed.

While I was in there I replaced the water pump, the T-belt tensioner pulley, the T-belt idler pulley, O rings/gaskets, serpentine belt and of course, the coolant. I also used distilled water rather than tap water to avoid crusty sediment building (I mention that because some folks use tap water and it hastens the demise of their radiator and other components.)

Anyway, as with any service that involves critical functions of a motor, the moment of truth is particularly dreadful....the first startup. After all these years working on all manner of machinery, I still hestitate right before I turn the key for the first time. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I dread the idea of catastrophic failure or rather having to disclose to my wife I screwed the pooch and now it'll cost a grundle of cashola to fix it.

Glad it over for another 90,000 miles.