Timing belt tensioner

[jamulbill]

How much movement should I expect when I try to untension the timing belt tensioner to install the new belt? The water pump seems to be in the way of any significant movement and when I loosen the pivot bolt the tensioner still doesn't seem to move , even a little bit, even when I try to pry it with a screwdriver. Should I have to stretch to get the belt over the cam gears? It's a new belt and new tensioner.

[SLOSpider]

There are 2 bolts that I loosen, one that the spring mounts on too, and the nut on the bearing, as pointed out by Mark, then should move about 1/2 an inch, not much. Once you get it moved you can tighten down the inner bolt to hold it there.

[Tango]

IIRC, on my 81, which I just did (I and I am a novice here) the tensioner idler only had room to be forced back about less than 1/4". But the timing belt didnt have to be "stretched" over anything. It was just satisfyingly snug, it needs to fit around everything size-for-size and it does so. Also, that is a very strong spring and forcing back the tensioner was not that easy (not that simple to find a good leverage point from what I found).

[jamulbill]

No matter what I pry on this thing with it does not move, in either direction! I'd like to take the bracket off but I don't know how hard it is to put back with that big spring! I tried prying it with a 4 foot crow bar but no luck. I'm stumped.

[SLOSpider]

It may be rusted onto the block then. I would go ahead and take the whole thing off. Once you get it off and cleaned up its not hard to put it back on. If your putting on a new belt you can just cut off your old one.

Um yeah what Mark said V, you did loosen he nut on the bearing itself?

[So Cal Mark]

besides the pivot bolt, you must loosen the 17mm nut in the middle of the bearing

[wachuko]

Practice removing and installing the spring in its place... a pita at first and after a few tries you get the hand of it... it is a combination of Zen, Yoga, and Ultimate Fighting....