My '99 Montero just passed the California smog test. I bought this thing in May, not noticing the BILLOWING STORM of a smoke screen it layed down when pulling away from a stop. I felt like a jack-ass for having purchased such a POS...BUT..with the help of this list and youtube, I managed to get the VSS changed (holy crap, what a project) and subsequently get it registered. Hallelujah.

OK, here's another issue, though. I noticed the timing belt is in dangerously poor condition so I started that project yesterday thinking it would be easy compared to the seal job, BUT...how in the F**k does one deal with that MONSTER a/c bracket. I struggled for hours last night to remove it and am at a loss as to how I'm going to get it back on. I did manage to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt but the balancer is stuck...its been soaking in Kroil over night.

Anyway, thank you guys for being here and for being so gracious with sharing your experience with the newbies.

I should add that I don't have a manual b/c I'm working on a shoestring...I found one for a different engine but not the SOHC 6G74 that I have. I was watching a video of a timing belt change on a Montero Sport (3.0) which is WAY EASIER with regard to that compressor bracket. faked me out, now my truck is marooned in my buddy's driveway...lol...its ok as long as its not there for a month or something.

Thanks again for all your postings!

Hey nice job getting all that done! Go to http://mitsubishilinks.com to get the FSM for your truck in PDF format and print the pages you need if needed.

I'm not sure if the compressor bracket on the SOHC is the same as the DOHC, but I've found it easiest to access the bolts on mine through the wheelwell - pull off the left front tire and the compressor and bracket bolts are a more or less straight shot through the gap between the body and frame with a long extension.

The crank pulley may need some careful tapping with a hammer to break it loose, tapping on the hub rather than the perimeter - I've resorted to carefully using a puller to apply some outward pressure on the pulley while tapping and wiggling it. Use caution though as too much pressure could separate the rubber that joins the inner and outer portions of the harmonic balancer.

OK, I'll check that site shortly for manual information. I raised the front a little, turned the wheel to full stop last night and that's how I was able to access the compressor bolts, but, man...jsut barely. As far as being able to re install those bolts while holding the bracket and then the compressor...wow...I don't know...

Before I get to that point, though, here's what's going on. The balancer/pully finally came off with some 'gentle' uhhh persuation..but, the timing gear came with it. It took some work to get those two separated afterwards, too. Here's the problem. Through my own inexperience and haste, I completely lost the engine timing. The belt slipped and the the crank and cams have turned independently of one another. So, I lined up all the timing marks then installed the belt (the tensioner is still loose) and have been able to rotate the whole engine 8 revolutions of the crankshaft without a hitch. The marks remain timed correctly BUT...is it possible that one or both cams is out of phase? I'm reluctant to move forward. ANY insight would be helpful....

Get the service manual. It has the step by steps on how to change the timing belt. Did I mention get the service manual?

> Did I mention get the service manual? [/quote]

I hear ya, Buddy! I'll be looking at the online version that's been posted right away. I've changed timing belts/chains before, and was pretty sure I'd researched this job sufficiently but have run into snags I haven't seen mentioned anywhere. I'll get the manual.

If the kroil doesn't work mix up atf and acetone 50/50. be sure to use a glass or metal container (plastic will melt). this is my go to penetrant when nothing else will work. it's never taken more than 24 hours to work and usually it is a lot faster than that. A lot of my repair work and day job requires dealing with salt corrosion and galvanic corrosion in the marine environment. this mix has never failed me. good luck.