Timing belt tensioner???

[mobigly73]

Not sure if this has been covered but I figured I would ask. When changing the timing belt with the engine set where its supposed to be how do you set the belt tension? What do you loosen and when do you tighten it all back down.

[So Cal Mark]

the tensioner has a pivot bolt and an adjustment bolt. They both have to be loosened as well as the nut in the middle of the bearing. After you've installed the belt and let the tensioner take the slack out, you can check the tension on the long run of the belt between the aux shaft and intake cam. Twist the belt, it should only twist 90 degrees. Less than that, it's too tight, more than that it's too loose. Once you get it set, turn the engine by hand two complete revolutions and ensure the timing marks are still aligned. When you install the belt, if you didn't have the slack on the tensioner side, the timing marks may not be aligned

[ventura ace]

If you look at the tensioner arm / bearing / spring / etc, you will see 3 bolts. The repair manuals will show you which 2 of these need to be loosened, or maybe you can study them for a few minutes, and you'll see which ones makes sense to loosen, and if not, then just loosen all 3. The trick is, loosen the bolts, the spring will adjust the tension to the proper level, then retighten the bolts. That's all there is to it.

The above is based on the assumtion that your parts are good, and not rusty, dry worn out bearings, stretched timing belt, and so on. If any of these parts are questionable, you should remove, clean, replace, lubricate, to where the parts are good before making the adjustment.

And . . . see if you can get your hands on a repair manual. You will need 1 or 3 if you plan to do maintenance on the car yourself.

Good success!

Alvon

[mobigly73]

Thanks for the info I wasn't sure if you left the bolts slack when you turn the motor