2.2 Timing belt tension...

[CrAlt]

Hello all!

I know this isnt a turbo car but it looks like you guys know your stuff here. I have a very n00b thing to ask. This is my 1st FWD car and the very 1st time ive messed with a timing belt. So far its been simpler then i expected and its been going smooth. But im worried that im setting the slack wrong. The FSM says to use this fancy tool that i dont have.

(I cant post URL's yet. But if you goto youtube.com and cut/paste these to ID's in my vid should come up)
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The belt is flapping around some between the cam and the intermediate shaft. maybe up and down 1/2" or less. Is that normal or do i need less slack?

Thanks.

[puppet]

As a rule of thumb you should be able to only twist the belt 90* between the cam and the intermediate pulleys. More is too loose less is too tight.

[CrAlt]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check it out tomorrow

[pobort]

you shouldnt be able to play a note on it (like plucking a guitar string). too tight and will wreck bearing and possibly break the cam. to loose and i'tll flop around make noise and possibly jump time.

[puppet]

Another good way of checking the tension is to see where the belt is tracking on the cam sprocket after you get the engine warmed up. Riding toward outside the sprocket (away from head) means it's too tight ... riding inside means it's too loose. Belt should track in the middle.

[detobias]

the little factory tool basically puts about 2# of force onto the "tensioning" portion of the tensioner

RESIST the urge to crank on the tension

I usually snug up the 15mm bolt (leave wrench on bolt head) so the "tensioning" nut (the big one) turns, but has a little resistance, then use a crescent or channel locks to - wait for it - put about 2 # of 'tensioning' force on it ; then snug up the 15mm..

THEN check belt tension (90 deg turn) and belt tracking (middle of gear) ; go back and tweak tension a smidge (dont loosen the 15mm too much so it will give some resistance)

[CrAlt]

Thanks guys. I feel much better about this install now.

[83sdc]

the "tool" is available from any good parts store. however, it can be a pain to use due to space limitations! i agree withe detobias method, it's the way i do this too.

[detobias]

actually this could be better specified

turn motor over by hand or using starter 2-3 revolutions;

THEN check belt tension (90 deg turn) and belt tracking (middle of gear) ; go back and tweak tension a smidge *if needed* (dont loosen the 15mm too much so it will give some resistance)

[pobort]

Quote:

Originally Posted by detobias actually this could be better specified turn motor over by hand or using starter 2-3 revolutions; THEN check belt tension (90 deg turn) and belt tracking (middle of gear) ; go back and tweak tension a smidge *if needed* (dont loosen the 15mm too much so it will give some resistance)

and after rotating engine, double/triple check timing marks are lined up.

[detobias]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pobort and after rotating engine, double/triple check timing marks are lined up.

+1

[tkelly27]

Also don't forget that the engine is leaned back, and straight and level in the cam gear is respect to the engine orientation and the plane of the block surface. It looked wrong the first time I did it after working on V8's for so long, but I got it right the first try. It's very common to have it a tooth or two off pointing striaght up to the sky.

[wolf20043]

^+1. The guy who did ours before we got it put the guide hole on the cam gear at 12 o clock real time so I had to re do the timing gue to the two lower marks being about 1/2 an inch off. 12 is to the peak of the valve and timing cover.
Mike

[LS1 Mike]

I need to do mine when I get time. I can tell it is off a tooth or two.

[CrAlt]

Thanks guys.

The car is running again now with a new belt and new struts. Just got to find a hood now... Its funny. I goto scrap yards around here and they think im joking looking for parts for this car.

I put the cover on and looked through the peep hole to line up the cam gear. The marks on the 2 lower gears also lined up after running it. The base timing seemed to have shifted 2deg up to about 14. Im guessing this has to do with the old belt being stretched or not tensioned right.