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2G T-belt loose idler side with a twist?

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Mielo5280

Proven Member
41
12
Aug 29, 2019
Wheat Ridge, Colorado
As the title states, I can't seem to get the slack out of the idler pulley side of the belt. However it seems to only be loose after I've ran the motor. I've followed the Vfaq for the 2G to a T, using brand new OEM parts from EPSI and a stub BSE with the oil groove. I can get the timing on point with everything right. After it's ran for a drive or two, I notice there's enough slack in the top of the belt to slightly rotate the intake cam when pushed down between the gears. With enough slack to push the belt off the idler pulley. After I spin the motor over, the tension returns, but not like when timing was first set.

On top of all that, there is a loud whining noise that comes from the belt area that gets louder with rpm. It sounds like straight cut gears, but I'm not 100% sure it has them or not. I've made sure nothing is rubbing against the pulleys, the belt, or it being the alternator pulley or water pump. I've read setting the belt too tight can cause the whine, but it seems too loose already.

What else am I missing? Anyone have any decent tips on doing a tbelt? I've read numerous threads on tuners, but nothing that seems to pertain to my issue.
 
Before you pull it I would reset the marks and check tension. At least that way you will know if it was incorrect. If the marks line up but tension is bad I see no reason to pull it either. Just reset tension.
 
Let us know if the grenade pin will go back into the tensioner like butter before you tear it down.
Oops, Paul beat me to it. Sorry
 
Double check your parts. 95-96 tensioners are different from 97-99 7 bolts if im not mistaken.
 
Double check your parts. 95-96 tensioners are different from 97-99 7 bolts if im not mistaken.

Think it’s by production date from how extremepsi lists it.
94 - 8/2/95 or 8/3/95 - 99
 
I have had this problem myself last time I did my 2g. I had never had an issue installing a TB before, but I must have rushed and got an extra belt tooth between the oil pump and the intake cam. If that happens it can look like the marks are on, but it’s not right. The order of events installing the belt is very important. Start on the exhaust cam gear, clip or zip tie the belt down, then pull it tightly over the intake cam, it may help to turn the intake cam back just a hair to get the teeth to slip in. Clip or zip tie it again. Now pull it tightly past the idler and get it on the oil pump sprocket- this is where I had my problems losing tension. Make sure it is very tight over the oil pump pulley before moving on to the crank, I find it helps to turn the oil pump back half a tooth or so to get it to both line up correctly and have correct tension, then use your hand turning the oil pump pulley to help pull the belt tight onto the crank pulley. If the teeth just set into the gear easily it’s probably too loose, then the tensioner eccentric will be way too loose and the hydraulics can’t make up for it. If its the wrong tensioner I don’t think it will bolt up, I bought a 95 for my 97 block and it was fairly obvious.
 
I find it helps to turn the oil pump back half a tooth or so to get it to both line up correctly and have correct tension

Good point. This is the way I had to do my timing belt after decking the block and installing adjustable cam gears. You also have to move the crank slightly so when the tension is tight, all the marks line up. I didn’t have to do this before. It’s good practice to rotate the engine several times and recheck the marks and to confirm the hydraulic tensioner grenade pin moves freely before pulling it.
 
What is the difference between the early and late 2g tensioners? I spent a good bit googling and searching on here before ordering one. I bought a late 2g tensioner and it bolted on fine. I will take all your suggestions into account when I go to check the belt. I'll start with the tension and move onto pulling it if there's anything fishy.
 
So it seems that I just didn't have the belt tight enough. Had a friend come over that has had a lot of these cars and show me how he sets the tension. After a little persuasion with the tensioner pulley, we had it set correctly. Thanks to everyone who commented and thanks for the differences between the early and late 2g auto tensioners.
 
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