I just got my 93 sidekick on the road and it blew a water pump. I got the water pump,  and then someone told me to change the timing belt. I am planning on changing the pump and timing belt. I am wondering if I should change some other parts too while I am in there and some pointers on how to do the job. Is there anybody out there that can help?

cam and crank seals would be good to change if your already in there, they leak after a while and kill the timing belt if they start leaking. would suck to have a new belt just to have to go back in and do it again...

And the timing belt tensioner.

how easy is it to do the whole job? I am not a mechanic, but I am not stupid. I seem to be able to get almost anything done that I need to get done.

download section 1 of the '88 Samurai Factory Service Manual at Ack's FAQ (search fsm and study section three.  If your '93 is an 8-valve, this info should apply.

For a 16-valve, do a search for Tracker fsm and take a look at the engine section.

(oh, the link to Ack's FAQ is in my signature, below  )

Either way, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you are careful when removing the bolt on the end of the crankshaft that holds the crankshaft timing belt in place!  This bolt is only removed if you are replacing the oil pump or the front crank seal.

You may need to apply heat to cause the factory locktite to properly release before removing this bolt.  This bolt must be properly torqued down (replacing it would also be a good idea!) or severe damage may be done to the end of the crankshaft.

If you feel uncomfortable with that process, you can still change the timing belt and water pump by removing ONLY the crankshaft accessory pulley by loosening the five smaller bolts that attach the crankshaft accessory pulley to the crankshaft timing belt pulley.  The pictures in either the Samurai fsm or Tracker fsm will help explain this.

Also, take a look at this recent thread here at zukiworld.com on this topic:

 http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=24925.15

I hope that this helps!

Thanks for the help. I just put the pump and the timing belt in. It seems to be working right and it has stop the over heating, so I do think I have a blown head gasket like I thought I might.