Which is more difficult, PCV service or Timing belt job?
 

I'll have the parts for both jobs by this weekend, and would like to tackle the easier job first to warm myself up. I'm new to this, but have done quite a bit to my 850R over the past 6 months (full brakes and suspension replacements, among a few other odd jobs) but have not done much with the engine yet (aside from fluids and a few hoses).

Thanks for any advice.

Did Pcv a few weeks back, time consuming more than anything. I'm doing my timing tonight I'll post back later.

I'd say time belt done 3x the belt lots of PCV's (turbos and normal aspirated).

In my opinion, the timing belt. Takes me about 25 minutes on an 850. PCV takes about 60-75 minutes depending on how much sludge is in the ports on the block.

Huh...? The timing belt is more difficult because it takes less time?

You're gonna get two different opinions, and that's not gonna really help you much probably. Personally, I'd rather do the PCV than the timing belt, assuming we're talking about a complete timing job...belt, tensioner, water pump, pulleys. Throwing a belt on it is fairly easy. The complete job is more involved. Plus, you're working from up top, and from the wheel well. There's a lot of stand up, sit down, stand up kind of repetition.

The PCV system is fairly easy by comparison. Everything is done from the top, and once you pull the intake, it's all pretty easy to get to.

Haha sorry, I read it and then reworded it in my head because the post was asking which to do first.

The water pump is not factored into my initial reply since that is not always needed or done.

As for the PCV being all from the top, the oil should also be changed if you clean out the ports in the block.

This is where I was leaning, and yes, it will be a complete timing belt job with all the extra bits.

True. But still, that's crawling under the car only once...one bolt, one filter, done.

Timing belt involves pulling the wheel, the pulley, the lower cover, etc

Having done both in one go a few weeks back, I'd have to say the PCV. Partly because there's just more stuff to remove (though I only did the belt and hydraulic tensioner), and especially because a few of those intake manifold bolts (especially the one by the thermostat housing) aren't very accessible.

I'm not trying to argue, just pointing out the oil should be changed so the original poster is aware.

But also, if you pull the crank pulley, there is no need to pull the lower belt cover.

Doesn't really matter, he's doing both jobs anyway. And like you said, this is purely a matter of opinion. I've done hundreds of timing belts and not nearly as many breather boxes, so that's why I can do the belt (including the idler and tensioner- those don't really add that much time) in such a short time.

The timing belt is easier. I never pull the crank pulley.

The PCV is a lot dirtier and if you have EGR that is more stuff to take apart and clean.

LOL, EST6 can change the timing belt quicker than my videos on the jobs can play.

come help with mine lol

I use a foot long 1/4 inch extension, with a u-joint and 10mm socket. It's pretty easy to reach with that setup. The hardest part for me was getting the right angle with the light to see the bolt I was aiming for.

Also, if you've never done this job, keep in mind that you don't have to pull the 4 lower bolts on the intake, just the 3 upper ones. The bottom bolt holes in the manifold aren't actually holes. They're slots. Remove the top bolts, loosen the bottom ones, and lift the manifold up a little. The lower bolts stay in place.

You do have to remove them to put the new intake gasket on, but at that point your doing it with the manifold off, so you have nothing in your way, and the chance of dropping a bolt becomes almost zero.

Replace the gasket, put the lower bolts in a couple turns, then slide the manifold down onto the bolts.

At least he doesn't have EGR having a '97 model.

the worst part on my 94 was probably the egr. the scariest part was breaking off a bolt that i, thankfully, was able to remove. the biggest ah-hah moment was realizing i could reach the support bracket bolt and dipstick mount from the top…

Don't believe me?

if you wanna prove it, i guess i would let you show RSPI on my car… :D

Haha nah, I don't work for free :)

haha I'm just messing, but you should record your process next time, if possible, because I am definitely interested in seeing it done so quickly