So my timing belt and/or bearings are rooted (I took it to the local mitsu dealer, he took the cover off and the belt + under the belt are covered in metal shavings. He ordered a timing belt kit, but it appears it will take days for them to do it (apparently it takes a while, people booked ahead of me, blah blah) anyway, the thought crossed my mind to do it myself and save $400 in labour.

Anywho, is it a DIY job? I'm a newb when it comes to this stuff, although I wouldn't mind tackling it over the Australia Day public holiday. If it is possible for a noob to do it, how long will it take? He said 4 hours in the workshop, so I'll probably take double that?

Will I need any specific tools to do the job?

Cheers guys.

Try doing a search as there is heaps on this forum, however I'd be a bit concerned about the metal shavings??? - did they show them to you?

Will I need any specific tools to do the job?

Cheers guys.

a pin

Yes they showed me. I got there about 5:20, he said "look, come and have a look at why I don't think you should take it home" went out to the car park, and under where the front half of the case was, there was shavings. They were on the belt aswell. There wasn't a whole lot, but you could see it when the light caught them.

a pin

A pin?

Yeah a pin and a new motor if you dont do it correctly.......

You actually need to also use the correct tool to rorate the tensioner pulley, you can make this yourself if you really want to. Also you need to ensure that the correct tension is on the belt as well

Not sure how much Mits are quoting you for the kit but I do them for $142.50 and have them here on the shelf. Also can do a pump for $95 as well.

I can show you the tool I have for the tension

Okay so apparently according to the Mits place have found that the rear cam shaft or crankshaft is rooted, or worse. The gear (FFS, the name escapes me..) towards the rear of the vehicle moves in and out about .5cm.

EDIT: dad and I feel it's going to save a lot of hassle in the long run if we replace the motor now with a lower- mileage one. I'll let this thread die now :)