Timing Belt - Maybe it's not me!

[DougC]

Ok, tore the car back apart to see why the belt is slipping. I can't get the tensioner to get tight enough. Took out the retaining bold on the bearing and it got much tighter, but couldn't put the bolt back in without pushing the bearing back to where the belt is loose again! I'm thinking maybe they shipped me the wrong timing belt.

Can anyone tell me what belt to use with the new (much smaller diameter) timing belt tensioner bearing?

Thanks again,

Doug

[kmac33]

It sounds like you got the incorrect size tensioner bearing - this happened to me when I was putting my motor back together - a vendor shipped me the incorrect size - apparently this vendor had/has a supply that are the incorrect size. The vendor that sent me the correct size, had heard of others having the same issue. You will have to get the correct size tensioner bearing.

[DougC]

It sounds like you got the incorrect size tensioner bearing - this happened to me when I was putting my motor back together - a vendor shipped me the incorrect size - apparently this vendor had/has a supply that are the incorrect size. The vendor that sent me the correct size, had heard of others having the same issue. You will have to get the correct size tensioner bearing.

Dammit! I hope that's not it, the vendor I bought it from sold his business to Classic Ricambi in Colorado. I doubt they will take a return now.

[So Cal Mark]

it could also be the wrong belt, but measure the od of the bearing and post it here

[ventura ace]

As a reference, mine is 2.775" OD (70.5 mm).

Alvon

[DougC]

As a reference, mine is 2.775" OD (70.5 mm).

Alvon

My old bearing is about this size, the new one is significantly smaller (less than 2.5" OD) and has "guides" on the outside edges. I was under the impression when I bought it last year that they were sending a shorter timing belt for use with the new style bearing.

[JerryH]

I recently purchased the same tensioner bearing from Classic Ricambi and I had the same issue. The smaller diameter of the bearing resulting in the inability to properly tighten the timing belt. Since my engine was out of the car it was easy for me to see what was going on.

I purchased the standard tensioner from IAP and everything worked fine. It's got a bigger diameter.

I'm hoping to be able to return the part to Classic Recambi for a refund. It's still brand new. It was only on the engine long enough to see that it wasn't going to work. Too bad though--with the ridges I thought the CR tensioner looked pretty cool.

-Jerry

[DougC]

I recently purchased the same tensioner bearing from Classic Ricambi and I had the same issue. The smaller diameter of the bearing resulting in the inability to properly tighten the timing belt. Since my engine was out of the car it was easy for me to see what was going on.

I purchased the standard tensioner from IAP and everything worked fine. It's got a bigger diameter.

I'm hoping to be able to return the part to Classic Recambi for a refund. It's still brand new. It was only on the engine long enough to see that it wasn't going to work. Too bad though--with the ridges I thought the CR tensioner looked pretty cool.

-Jerry

I think we may have a fix. I emailed Classic Ricambi, and DJ emailed back and told me that I had actually purchased mine from him. He offered a full refund if I wanted to send it back. After a couple of back and forth emails, we think that he may have shipped my the wrong belt, and that he should have send a shorter one to compensate for the smaller diameter of the bearing. He shipped out the new one immediately and I should get it early next week. Great customer service, and I sure hope this is the fix!

-Doug

[DougC]

Ok, got the shorter timing belt and it fits great and gets nice and tight. So I put everything back together and tried to start it. No go. Everything turns properly now, and It tries to fire and sputters a bit, but won't kick in. It sounds to me like an ignition timing issue.

So, does this have something to with the lower pulley? I lined up the mark with the tensioner bolt. Or did I leave out another step somewhere? Do I need to adjust the distributor timing?

Thanks for your patient help

[DougC]

Bump. Any help on a Monday?

[kmead]

Go back and look carefully to be sure that it is all properly aligned.

Don't forget it is timed to cylinder number four, sounds like the timing of the ignition is off to me as well.

[BEEK]

ok one thought, you said the belt was slipping, did you turn over the engine with the starter or by hand?
if you used the starter valve damage may have occured

[SLOSpider]

Make sure crank mark is at TDC when you have the cover held in place, I also verify by sticking my long screw driver down #1 cylinder. Make sure your cams are at their marks and the aux pulley should be somewhere around 1:00 position but this wont keep it from starting if its a little off. As mentioned make sure your rotor is pointing to the #4 contact inside the cap when all the above is set. Its easy to get it a tooth off.

[DougC]

Ok, so just to be painfully certain: I should take off the dist. cap and rotate the engine manually to make sure the rotor is in #4 firing position, take a long screwdriver and make sure cylinder #1 is bottomed out. Cam pulleys should be on their marks, Aux pulley at about 1:00, and crank mark is at TDC. What cover are you referring to? The plastic cam cover or some other one?

Thanks so much.

[DougC]

Thanks everyone for your help. I found the timing marks on the plastic cover and the dimple in the pulley. I got everything aligned and put it all back together, and it starts! Unfortunately it runs rough, like a couple of cylinders aren't firing. It even backfired a bit. I think I may have screwed something up when I tried to start it with the crank out of alignment.

I guess I'll chalk it up to expensive tuition!

Doug