Timing belt problem

[OneSlowL36]

I recently bought a tensioner kit and belt from Parts Dinosaur. Basically its a hydraulic to mechanical conversion. Anyways, everythings gone smooth as silk until I go to put the new belt on and it just barely won't fit around the tensioner bearing. I counted and both belts have the same number of teeth. I tried the old belt and it wouldn't fit either. I'm starting with the crank 1/2 tooth BTDC, and routing the belt on the crank, and going counter-clockwise. I did notice the new tensioner bearing is a little bigger than the stock one, would that make a difference? Thanks, I've never done this on a 420a.

 

[crusher966]

Remove the tensioner until the belt is fully on. First start putting on the belt on the exhaust pully. Next take a clip and put it over the belt to hold the belt on the cam gear. Now move both the intake and exhaust cam gears into position put the belt under tension across the intake gear again use a clip to hold the belt down. now slide it down to the "dumby" pulley then under tension put it across your oil pump gear(make sure its in the correct position) keeping it under pressure put it over the crank sprocket. Lastly put it over the tension pully. Another tip put your exhaust a degree in advance so when you do put your tensioner on it snaps in perfect timing. Make sure there is never any slack on the belt while installing it. The first time you do this it seems a little difficult. If you have any questions just PM me.

 

[90gst_sean]

I STRONGLY recomend OEM or Kevlar timing belts for our DSM's.

Let's just say, I've had personal experiance with the above mentioned setup comming apart in less than a few 1000 miles...

edit: this is mainly for the turbo DSM; you may be ok with the N/A setup.