Reinstalling the timing belt question..

[CHnKTSi]

Well, my head gasket is blown. (what a surprise for Fel-Pro failling within 5k miles) so i changed out the gasket with the mitsu MLS. But the problem is that i slid the timing belt off of the cam gears instead of removing the auto tensioner. But there is problem installing the belt back. Will there be a way to install the belt without removing the tensioner? I used to own a Tiburon which has similar design engine, but with one cam gear controlling both shaft with manual tensioner. Those car's belt slid back in, and was way easier to tension and remove belt. But even without the tensioner lose, everything went back together.
so i was wondering if it will slide back in as it slid off.
Also, i know you guys are probably asking why i am not changing out the belt while i am already there. The reason is i just changed the belt 2 weeks ago. No point of changing out the belt again. i hope the belt is still good.

 

[rowlex]

There is a tool you can buy from mitsubishi or you can make one with two nuts and threaded rod. To use it you pull the "plug" on the firewall side of the tbelt, then thread the rod into it. this will compress the auto-tensioner. I would suggest removing the timing covers and checking to make sure your timing marks still line up afterwards, but you could probably skip it.

The size of the threaded rod if I remember correctly is: 10x1.25 the one I made i think I used 8-9" of threaded rod, put two nuts on the end so you can turn it.

 

[oldman]

http://www.plymouthlaser.com/ttool.htm

How did you install the timing belt two weeks ago without this tool?

 

[CHnKTSi]

can't i just buy a bolt that thread and length and just use it on the plug?

 

[CHnKTSi]

my reply was little slower.
so i found out the way! YES!
thanks for all the information.

 

[Masochist]

It is also recommended you mark the rotation direction on the belt and install it the same direction. With the belt only being 2 weeks old that may not be an issue, but better safe than sorry if you know which way it was on there before.