Greetings everyone, I've been lurking around here for a couple of months, And since this site has already helped me figure so much out,
I decided it was time to post up my vehicle.

I picked up this 94 Montero LS off of craigslist a couple of months ago, for $700.


The PO thought it had an engine knock, It ran badly, it smoked, and the speedo and tach didn't work.

Turns out the knock was the exhaust hitting the crossmember,
running problems were due to it missing several vacuum lines. The Speedo was hard to figure out,
Turns out it had a burned trace on the circuit board. Timing belt, water pump, fresh gaskets and new valve seals are on tap for next weekend.

Nice find, especially the relatively easy fixes & glad the forum's been helpful!

Did you have to do a timing belt change or at least know when the next one is due?

What are you going to use it for?

Thanks!
Well, the vehicle was shown alot of neglect by the previous owner. I have no idea if the belt has ever been done, and with 145000+ miles, I figure it would just be a good idea to get it out of the way. My plans are to make it a general trail/expedition rig. It's been way too long since I've been able to get out and enjoy the outdoors. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I know on the 3.5L dohc engines you can remove one of the plastic covers a bit to check the condition of the timing belt. I suspect the same thing may be possible on the 3.0L but regardless it's a good idea to have it done.

Also in case you're considering it... it isn't a good idea to only rely on the condition of the accessory belts as an indicator of the timing belt condition since they could have been changed independently by a lazy previous owner. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Change all the hoses while you're at it.

Remember to replace the crank bolt and washer too.

If you are pulling the radiator hoses, you may want to pull the radiator and have it cleaned and/or rodded (what is the past tense of "rod"?)

Consider doing some searches for a good list of items to get done along with the timing belt.

Welcome to 4x4wire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, after reading all the horror stories, I picked up a bolt and washer at the Mitsu dealer. I'll check out the radiator when I pull it out, I do have all new hoses to put on everything. This thing should be in great shape by the time everything's finished.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />welcome to the forum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
Is your LS A.T. or M.T.?

Automatic. At the time I was actually looking for something with a manual, But after discovering how robust these drivetrains are, I'm happy.

Well, Things this weekend didn't go quite as planned. Whomever worked on this thing before, needs to be beaten with their own wrenches. I got past the tons of caked-on dirt and oil, and found missing bolts, the only engine ground was the one on the intake, (The main ground from the battery was just resting on the engine mount.)And the timing cover had warped, allowing the belt to cut through.


Also, they had replaced the crank pulley, to one without the holes for the holding tool. I guess i'm going to dip into my tire fund, and order new covers, and a few other little things.