hey all, at how many miles does the manufacturer recommend changing the timing belt.  My 90' tracker has about 60,000 on the engine and I really don't want to take any chances.  Also, any tips or tricks on changing it would be greatly appreciated.  I haven't taken apart the 1.6 yet.  Thanks for all the help.

Aaron

...My 90' tracker has about 60,000 on the engine...

15 years old and 60,000 miles, it's time to change it.

FSM says every 48 thousand miles or every two years. I tend to change mine a couple of times a year as where I was driving through a lot of churned up water I was getting hundreds of tiny pieces of stone embedded in it, also there was a fair bit of silt built up around the bottom pulley.  They are quite cheap and not to difficult to change.

Are there any special tools needed?  Should you replace the tensioner as well? Is the 16v any different than the 8v? I'm gonna do mine as soon as the weather warms up a little (no garage)

Are there any special tools needed?

 an alen headed socket to take out the alen bolts on the fan belt pully will save you alot of time over a reg alen wrench set.  other wise no special tools needed, just a good back cause its kinda weird to do, but as said, not hard.  i always take off the fan schroud so the fan is easier to get out.  seems like the tentioner is kinda pricey, but do it anyway and watch how all the lil parts come out , yes you need to do this soon i think.  having them break on the road SUCKS, i know.  good luck!

Thanks for all the replies, I'll change it out as soon as I get a chance.  I want to get it smogged first and then I'll start tearing into it.  Hopefully it will last long enough.

get a 1.8 or even v6 with a timing chain and never worry about a belt agian. instead worry about hydro adjuster and chain.

or even v6 with a timing chain

 hey, find me someone who makes an adapter kit and motor mounts for a comonly found v6 and i will be the first in line!!!