ATX timing belt tensioner question

[johndallara]

Good progress with the front 60K on the ATX, but have run into a minor snag. Despite dis-assembling my timing belt tensioner (it was frozen) and reviewing a few helpful threads ...

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=93663&highlight=atx+timing+belt+tensioner

... I still can't seem to get the tension right on the timing belt. Made the classic mistake of loosening the bolt on the pulley, thinking this job would be similar to the 3.0 motor. Although this did get me to rehab the belt tensioner piston (which now works), I don't think I have this belt tensioned correctly.


Here is the starting point (Don't worry, timing belt was lined up correctly, this is just a shot after some rotation).





After rehab to the timing belt tensioner piston, it is locked in position w/ 1.5mm alan wrench, ready to slide in place.





I rotated the off-center portion of the tensioner pulley using this method, tightening it up a fair bit before slipping the tensioner piston in place.





Now the piston is in place, almost fully compressed. Here is the final position of the off-center pulley bolt.








Now you would think the tensioner would be rock-tite. No luck. Watch the video....


http://www.emprepcourse.com/misc/ATX_front60K_timingbelttensioner.AVI


Have tried removing and adjusting this tensioner pulley and the piston assembly several times, trial and error, not much luck. I don't see with the piston fully compressed and the pulley rotated the way it is, how to get more tension on this belt. Unless I just need to rotate the off-center pulley even more clockwise ?


Anyway, I would appreciate any help or advice. Have had a lot of fun with this ATX front 60K, and have lots of great pics and video of the project.


JD

 

[Vnuk1]

From what I hear about Toolman I would just PM him and he probably has your solution.

 

[johndallara]

SHO ATX timing belt issues

made some progress tonight ...

After several crank rotations, I convinced myself that the belt varies in tension some depending on the position of the cams. So I re-assembled the front of the engine (nice and clean now), filled w/ new oil, coolant etc. and started the engine successfully.

Only have rev'd to about 3000, I won't tempt the SHO gods any further tonight. So far so good. I must say, the 3.2 is much simpler to re-assemble, with the single serpentine accessories and no dampening struts.

More update tomorrow perhaps, esp. if I get "SHO-boom".

JD

 

[johndallara]

no SHO-boom ... yet

Took out the ATX tonight, ran well revv'd to 5000+. There is persistent squealing from the accessories, must be the PS pump. Plan to cough up some $$ tomorrow for a reman.

Good news is the interior engine appears to be sound, no problems w/timing belt or anything else major.

JD

 

[K-Dawg]

It's been a while since I've played with an ATX, but I think you're alright.