Washer between sprocket and dampner?

[Eric VerValin]

I was taking the front end apart, and after my dampner came off, inside the lower cover was a big washer butted up next to the timing sprocket. Now for some reason I dont remember it being there before, but was just double checking. The washer is also 'concave' and not flat. Wondering if maybe I over torqued something and now i need a new washer? Its more or less a normal washer, with a notch for where the woodruff key is. Maybe it bent because I put too much on the bolt when i tightened it? It is an aluminum 'older' ASP pulley, so I made sure it was extra tight. Yea for crank cancer! I'll try to get some pics, but my camera isnt digital.. unless santa was nice to me and I just dont know it yet...

 

[Ishodu]

Its supposed to be there and yes its supposed to be concave. It keeps the timing belt riding in its proper place. With out it, it would ware though the timing cover.

 

[Eric VerValin]

Lol ok well also it will wear thru the timing cover if you forget to put a bolt on the bottom cover.. and chew thru the cover itself... I'll put the pics up here shortly.. I got a neato little ring on the backside of my shiny pulley now.. But yea I can see how it would work being in there. Just checkin the concave thing.


How in the **** would I build this car without all you people? Thanks again!

 

[sdpatt]

That device is not so much a washer as a timing belt guide. The guide is installed after the timing belt is mounted on the timing belt sprocket. It is installed with the smooth face toward the timing belt and the flare curling away from the belt. That guide and the vane portion of the timing belt sprocket are responsible for keeping the timing belt centered on the camshaft sprockets. Yes, without it the belt will burn its way thorugh the timing belt covers. I have seen repair shops leave this guide off probably because they don't know where it should go. Or because the techs aren't SHO-smart.