Timing Belt tension

[tobes50]

I'm in the process of replacing the timing belt on my 93 auto sho. I'm wondering how to get the correct tension on the belt using the pulley with the offset bolt hole. I've heard you need a special tool. Where do you get it? How much is it? What it the procedure? Is it absolutly nessisary?

Thanks,
toby

 

[ISHOU]

You don't need the timing belt tensioner tool to install a new timing belt. After removing the tensioner, compress the piston of the tensioner in a vise or by using a c-clamp. Install a small drill bit, 1/16th if I remember correctly, in the hole to secure the piston. Route the new belt correctly, install the tensioner and remove the drill bit. I've had no problems since installing my belt in June.

 

[sdpatt]

Did you remove the bolt that holds the oulley to the bracket? That wasn't necessary and now the tension will be affected if you install it in a different eccentric location than before. The tension on the 3.2L's timing belt is provided entirely by the gas piston in the tensioner. Remove the gas piston and compress the piston with a vise or C-clamp and secure the shaft with a 1/16" Allen wrench or drill bit. Make sure the drill bit is on the outside of the assembly so you can remove the bit after the tensioner is reinstalled on the block. You do not need the tensioner tool if you don't change the position of the pulley on the bracket.

 

[projectSHO89]

Since it sounds like you already loosened or removed the eccentric pully, don't panic. Getting it back to gether is easy and the position really isn't overly critical.

See my post here: http://www.shoforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=003777#000006 for details on how to get it back together.

FWIW, the Helms service manual specifies to set this pre-tension any time the timing belt is replaced. Overkill, most likely, IMHO.

The manual calls for a pre-load of 4.3 in-lbs. How much is that? You probably use more force than that picking your nose!

Steve

 

[tobes50]

Yes I did remove the pulley.

Thanks for the help guys.

-Toby