new to me

[1989pajero]

hello everyone. Just acquired a 1989 pajero recently imported from Japan and I am loving it. I have read several threads and it seems everyone loves their first generation pajero. Just one question, I found a manual for the 4d56t engine but I do not see a maintenance interval for the timing belts. Just wondering how long to go before changing them?

[wazza87]

Timing belt

Gday mate welcome! 80,000kms usually. Probably safe for 100,000kms though. I have recently renewed my belts,seals waterpump etc at 200,000kms, the balance shaft belt was so brittle that it fell apart in my hand basically. If oil has been leaking inside the timing belt cover it may have caused premature wear and tear. It's quite easy to remove the top timing belt cover front the motor and check the condition of the belt, 5 or so bolts hold it on (removed in pic below). I would check it and if it has signs of aging, then update as needed - better safe than sorry right!

[1989pajero]

thanks for the info. Just checked out the belts and the balance shaft belt is starting to crack. Mine has about 170,000 km and I don't have any maintenance records. I will be replacing them soon. This will be the first time working on this engine but I have replaced timing belts before.

[wazza87]

No worries. I had done timing belts before also but had numerous bumps in the road getting it finished. Took me a few weeks maybe like 2 10hr days equivalent. I did the seals water pump tappets had the injectors rebuilt all while i had access to another vehicle. If you need any help PM me. I got the kit from repco and it worked out alright. Cheers

Edit - just noticed you are in the US, hence no repco. Make sure before you buy the belt kit that you count the balance belt teeth. Good luck.

[1989pajero]

well I just bought a balance belt with 83 teeth. Not sure how many teeth are on mine yet. Guess i should have done that first. What are the other options? I found milners in the UK and they only list the 83 tooth balance belt for my pajero

[wazza87]

Tooth count

Hey mate, look I cant remember how many teeth the other one had, from memory mine was 83 also. When I bought the water pump/seal/belt kit he specifically asked me how many teeth my balance belt had. So I took it in with me next time to make sure I got the right one. Either way mate, just double check before you get too deep into the job. Afaik you can do the belts with radiator still in tho if you're doing seals and pump, its gotta come out. Cheers

[98NL GL]

No worries. I had done timing belts before also but had numerous bumps in the road getting it finished. Took me a few weeks maybe like 2 10hr days equivalent. I did the seals water pump tappets had the injectors rebuilt all while i had access to another vehicle. If you need any help PM me. I got the kit from repco and it worked out alright. Cheers

Edit - just noticed you are in the US, hence no repco. Make sure before you buy the belt kit that you count the balance belt teeth. Good luck.

Could you post the number for repco kit.

[wazza87]

Hi mate,
I have no idea what the kit number was? Sorry. It was a dayco timing belt kit from repco and a generic water pump!

Cheers,
Waz