What does the timing tension tool do? Is it really needed?

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

I'm removing the cylinder head. I'm using this guide. http://www.plymouthlaser.com/hreb2.htm
In the guide it mentions the timing tension tool.

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What does it do? Is it really need it? What if I don't use it and just remove the timing belt? I already turned the crank to TDC and marked down the cam gear position. Do I still need that tool? Is there a detailed explaination of how to use it, like how to put it in? Thanks.

 

[Blackreign]

Yes you really need it. It compresses the auto tensioner enabling you to remove the belt. It also will be crucial to insure that when you tension your belt that it is within the required tolerances.

I made my own I "believe" it is an M6 1.25 pitch thread. How you use the tool is very self explanitory.

The job would be impossible to do right without it IMO.

 

[igopoopy]

i didn't use it i just un bolted the auto tensioner took out the belt
then put the auto tensioner in a vice commpressed it put a pin through the holes and put it back in and then took out the pin

 

[Blackreign]

How did you insure the the gap between the tensioner are and the auto tensioner body was between .15 and .18?

I guess you could get lucky and get it within specs doing it that way. Considering the bolt/tensioning tool was $2.37 you might as well do it the right way IMO.

 

[dsmpower1]

i didn't use th etool and mine ran fine. i just used the c clamp method. the tensioner is already preset to give the belt so much tension . the tensioner really doesnt have any room to play with except removing it and putting it back in.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

 

[Talonman]

How did you insure the the gap between the tensioner are and the auto tensioner body was between .15 and .18?

I guess you could get lucky and get it within specs doing it that way. Considering the bolt/tensioning tool was $2.37 you might as well do it the right way IMO.

feeler gauge? thats how I did it, compressed in a vise inserted small allen wrench to hold it, set tensioner pulley the released pin in auto tensioner, cranked around 4 times, let it sit 1/2 hour then checked it with a feeler gauge.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

I tried to make that tool last night, but the 8mm x 1.25 tread making thingy (sry, don't know it's name in English) has different thread pattern than my battery hold down bolt, so I'm just going to buy that tool from the dealer. I'll probably get rip off on that, but oh well. Don't want to risk it. And thanks for the replies.

 

[Lordpaxin]

I didnt use a tool.

just took it all off.

vice, and allen wrench.




set the tensioner pulley so when i pulled the allen wrench out, it put just an adequate tension on the belt.

mabye i lost a few thousands miles on tensioning of my belt, but by then im already changing it anyway.

 

[DSM_AWD_TSi]

Well, I ended up making that tool. It works. I took off the head. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Lordpaxin]

following proper procedure is never a bad idea, some of us have different ways we do things, but shortcuts are not always good ideas. somethings work, somethings dont, its hard to mess it up doing proper procedures.

i dont have patience to follow directions like that.