Hi folks,

Got the belts off the car, drained the coolant, and am prepared to do the heater valve, harmonic balancer, water pump, and timing belt.

I had trouble with the AC compressor tensioner nut - because at some point in time long ago, it had been broken! Where can I pick up another?

My harmonic balancer, once the belts were off, has about 5mm of play front to back in its outer part. This makes me think my original assumption about the HB wearing out was correct. It was all rusty too (I'll post pics when I have it off).

Ok, folks, since this is my first timing belt change, I need some advice. A new HB is on the way from eEuroparts. Should I remove the old HB, put the new one on, and align the timing marks before I remove it again?

Last question: My water pump is OEM, either 250k or 100k old - can't tell from the PO's records. It still works, and has more smoothness in its movement (while still mounted to the engine) than my aftermarket new one. The large o-ring is all smooshed and splitting, and I have seen it weep coolant on a cold day. Do I replace the pump, or just dismount it and install a new gasket set?

Thanks! I'll go do my heater valve and wait to see what y'all say.

Ari