Retensioning timing belt

[bhazard]

Could someone explain how the tensioner works? I reset the cam timing after getting the headgasket job done (shoulda just kept the cam in its position) but I have no idea how this tensioner works. I accidently pulled the center bolt out of the tensioner and now I cant get it to go back in.

Its awful working down there, Im pretty much going by touch as I cant see what Im doing. The garage is freezing too. Very close to getting a price from a mechanic my dad has used, but Ive never needed a mechanic in the past and Id rather not start now.

[ShelbyMopar89]

So you removed the bolt that holds the pully on? If so you will not be able to get it back on untill you loosen the tensioner bolts (2) and rotate it some. Loosen the two bolts and pivot the tensioner, once that is done bolt back on the pully. It should go on fine now because there will be no belt tension on it, if it is still tensioned rotate the tensioner some more. After the pully is bolted back on you are ready to adjust the tensioner. Slowly rotate your crankshaft bolt clockwise, this will put all of the timing belt slack on the back side where the tensioner is located. Once all the slack is out (does not take much rotation) rotate the tensioner untill the belt is tensioned properly and tighten bolts. This is the hardest part, assuming you do not have the corrent belt tensioner. This is most eaisly done with the pass side tire off, the trick is to hold tension and tighten the other bolts while keeping the tension the same. Not that hard but the space is cramped and you have to be good with both hands. Once it is tight rotate the engine through a few complete crankshaft rotations and then double check your timing, flywheel at TDC, cam gear lines, idler gear lines up with crank, and rotor button is on number 1. If all that checks out you should be good to go. Hope this helps and I know somebody will chime in should I have given you bad info

[detobias]

uh I dont know about *two* bolts - (R U thinking TIII ?)

theres one long bolt, 15 mm head.. otherwise the advice looks good ; prolly make it easier on yourself and remove pass side tire, and maybe the snow shield

you may need to remove the belt from the cam gear to get the tensioner in place correctly, then slide the belt back on the cam gear, and then set the tension

I usually use a big Crescent wrench on the tensioner (it's a large "hex") ; don't need much force on the Crescent wrench to get proper tension - 3-4 pounds only

[NAJ]

[thedon809]

Quote:

Originally Posted by detobias uh I dont know about *two* bolts - (R U thinking TIII ?) theres one long bolt, 15 mm head.. otherwise the advice looks good ; prolly make it easier on yourself and remove pass side tire, and maybe the snow shield you may need to remove the belt from the cam gear to get the tensioner in place correctly, then slide the belt back on the cam gear, and then set the tension I usually use a big Crescent wrench on the tensioner (it's a large "hex") ; don't need much force on the Crescent wrench to get proper tension - 3-4 pounds only

That is usually how i do it too(sometimes with vise grips).

[bhazard]

I ended up breaking down and removing all the other drive belts, crank and water pump pulley, wheel and snow shield. Yea I know I shoulda already had it off. Made it much much easier to get down there though.

I ended up leaving the lower timing cover off, will this be okay? It seemed to hold more grease and grime in than it was supposed to keep out.

[NAJ]

Just be careful driving thru ice and snow, it will get lodged in there and throw the belt off.