Is changing a timing chain/belt on a 1991 Pontiac sunbird a difficult job for a do it yourselfer?
It would take a professional mechanic about 3 hours to do it, if you take your time and do it slowly you can do it.
Here is the procedure:
SPECIAL TOOL REQUIRED (or equivalent)
J-33039-A, Cam drive belt tension adjustment wrench.
NOTE: O.E. manuals do NOT provide images of the timing marks, however, the alignment marks are located on the camshaft and crankshaft gears and the rear timing belt cover.
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
Battery ground cable, then partially drain cooling system.
Coolant recovery reservoir.
Serpentine, A/C and/or P/S drive belts (if equipped).
Crankshaft pulley.
Timing belt cover attaching bolts and the cover.
Align marks on timing gears with the marks on the rear timing cover.
Loosen water pump bolts, then using J-33039-A on the water pump eccentric, release the belt tension.
Timing belt.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
Turn crankshaft and camshaft gears clockwise to align timing marks on timing belt rear cover.
Timing belt, making sure that the portion between the crankshaft and camshaft gears is in tension.
Using J-33039-A rotate water pump eccentric clockwise until tensioner contacts high torque stop, then tighten water pump bolts slightly.
Rotate the engine by the crankshaft gear bolt 720ę³clockwise to seat timing belt on sprockets.
With engine at room temperature, rotate water pump eccentric with J-33039-A counterclockwise until hole in tensioner arm is inline with hole in base.
Tighten water pump attaching bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft lbs) and ensure tensioner holes remain aligned.
Timing belt cover and tighten bolts and nuts to 9 Nm (80 in lbs) .
Crankshaft pulley, apply Loctite(R) 242 to bolt threads and tighten to 21 Nm (15 ft lbs) .
Serpentine, A/C and/or P/S drive belts (if equipped).
Coolant recovery reservoir and fill cooling system.
Battery ground cable.
Is changing a timing chain/belt on a 1991 Pontiac sunbird a difficult job for a do it yourselfer?
Daxter gave you the procedure for the 2.0 L OHC I4 motor, and the procedure for the 3.1 L OHV V6 is different, yet similar. He's right that you can do it yourself if you take your time. I no longer have my car, so I don't have the factory service manual anymore or I'd give you that procedure.
