Wander timing belt

[drenthe]

My timing belt seems to wander to the outside of the camshaft drive wheel, away from the engine. I not sure, but read this is from it being to tight. Does this sound correct to anyone.


Thanks, Steve

[drenthe]

Let me try this again,does anyone know how tight should it be?

[ventura ace]

You should let the spring tensioner establish the tension. Loosen the fasteners, let the spring do its thing, then retighten. Don't assist the spring with a pry bar.

I have seen a few timing belts that were over tightened. They tend to make a whirring noise when the engine runs.

If tightened properly, you should be able to grab the belt with thumb and finger about 1/2 way down the long straight section of the belt, and give it a 90° twist. If twists more than 90°, probably too loose. If you can't get it to twist 90°, then definitely too tight.

Alvon

[narfire]

Alvon... I think you just cured this engine noise I can't seem to figure. You described it perfectly. I dropped a new engine in the car last November but had only one day with it before insurance ran out. I must have tweeked the belt a bit tight.
I'll have a look/test on Monday

[drenthe]

Thanks Alvon, you got a two for one...good job! Is it common for the belt to move toward the edge of the gear? Thanks again for all your help.


Steve

[ventura ace]

Let's just say that is not uncommon. As long as it's not chewing up the edge of the belt on the belt guide flanges, I wouldn't worry about it. If it is trying to climb over the edge of the pulleys, you have some kind of alignment issue: warped or worn pulleys, tensioner bearing assembly cocked at an angle, or something that would keep the pulleys from being parallel.

Alvon

[drenthe]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it.