Timing Belt tension

[LamboORG97GSX]

I just had the head rebuild because my timing jumped and cost me a set of valves....My fault because last year I put a new cometic Hp gasket in and forgot to reset the auto tensioner. Well it's all back together and I'm wondering if the auto tensioner was the real problem or how much play should be in the timing belt. which is brand new like 20 miles on it tops. I just don't want to run into costly head repairs again for looking something small over. ( the belt seems to have almost a half inch up & down in play)

 

[4pistons]

I did the same thing years ago when I didn't change the tensioner with the belt. Cost me big-time!

There is no spec for "belt play" and no way to give you an answer on that. Here's the bottom line. You MUST follow the factory procedure to the letter with no omissions and closely follow the adjustment specs. Anything short of that is inviting disaster again and it isn't worth the risk!

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[LamboORG97GSX]

Yea...I just wasn't sure I did everything to spec from the Chilton and just wanted to ask to see if anyone had input. I also checked the tension on my friends 95 tsi and he seemed to have about the same amout of play I just wanted to make sure...

 

[Spoolin98]

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-1G.html

Measure the auto tensioner push rod position with a drill bit (distance between the tensioner arm and auto tensioner body) to ensure that it falls within the specification of 3.8-4.5 mm (.15-.18 in.)

 

[luv2rallye]

Timing belt tensioning tips: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214625

 

[Spoolin98]

Timing belt tensioning tips: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214625

Thanks for the link, I have never seen that before. I have two timing belts to put on soon, I'll give that a try.

 

[dieseltech]

oh how i cringe when i hear the word chilton, uuuhhhhh

 

[BISHILVR]

^^^ Yeah, those are a sad, sad excuse for a shop manual

 

[Defiant]

And:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18362

 

[LamboORG97GSX]

Well thanks for all that info guys! I know the chilton blows...but after reading the past threads about belt play I feel better about mine.....pulling the head twice in the last year is good enough for a while