hey everyone, only a few months before I get the bike back on the road, was thinking about changing the timing belts as they are the original ones from 1984 as far as I know.
I've seen posts about the belts being the same as a 1983 corolla, is that right?
how hard is the job to do? should I just get it done or is it pretty straight forward?
I have good mechanical skills but haven't really digged that deep in a motor in a while.
can't wait to get back on the road...
replacing timing belts
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fred1diver
- Posts: 184
- Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:38 pm
- Location: Gatineau, Qc, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1984 gl1200 aspencade
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Ohara
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2015 9:05 am
- Location: Ontario Canada
- Motorcycle: 1986 Interstate
1986 Aspencade
Re: replacing timing belts
Hi Fred, there is a couple good videos on this on U Tube. One is by Saunders that is very good. I use Gates T070 belts that you can get at any Napa store at a reasonable price. Just study up before you start and go one step at a time. 
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fcanary
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 6:15 am
- Location: East Taunton Massachusetts
- Motorcycle: 1991 1500 Interstate
1986 1200 Interstate (sold)
Re: replacing timing belts
Not a bad job to do at all. I watched the video several times over the winter and I was able to do the job. In fact, everything that happened in that video, happened to me so I was ready for it. It took me about three hours, but I bet one of those hours was spent checking, and rechecking my work. Good luck!
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fred1diver
- Posts: 184
- Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:38 pm
- Location: Gatineau, Qc, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1984 gl1200 aspencade
Re: replacing timing belts
just ordered the belts to do the job, do I need a new gasket for the water pump while I'm in there?
anything else I need?
anything else I need?
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brianinpa
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:13 pm
- Location: Lebanon, PA
- Motorcycle: 1984 GL1200 Standard
1987 GL1200 Interstate
Re: replacing timing belts
If all you are doing is the belts, you won't need anything for the water pump unless you jump in a little deeper than necessary. Anything else... patience.
Brian
If you aren't having fun doing it, find something else to do.
If you aren't having fun doing it, find something else to do.
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thrasherg
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- Location: Plano, TX
- Motorcycle: 2017 Yamaha FZ07, 2015 Yamaha Super Tenere ES, 2005 Honda Shadow 750, CRF450X, CRF230, CRF250X, XR200, CR500, Gas Gas TXT200
Re: replacing timing belts
I would suggest getting coolant, you need to drain the cooling system to get the belt covers off, rather than reusing the old coolant I would suggest putting in new coolant and change your oil and oil filter whilst your at it.. It's quite an easy task mechanically, but it can be a bugger getting to some of the bolts and getting the covers out to access the belts!! Just keep wiggling and things will come away!!
Gary
Gary
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fred1diver
- Posts: 184
- Joined: Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:38 pm
- Location: Gatineau, Qc, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1984 gl1200 aspencade
Re: replacing timing belts
Cool, thanks everyone
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julimike54
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2015 12:21 pm
- Location: Euless, Texas
- Motorcycle: 1986 GL1200A original owner
2016 HD FLTRU
Re: replacing timing belts
As an added note; while you have the access to the water pump end (hose is off), you may want to check the end of the water pump for side to side and down to up play. You shouldn't have any wiggle, if you have wiggle, you may want to consider putting a new one in (or rebuild), while you're that far 
Riding anything is a good day!
Mike