Yet another timing belt thread - can't set tension

[aggietsi]

Yeah, so I get everything lined up, all my timing marks are right, but I can't get the tensioner to get set where it should be. I torque the pulley to 2.6 ft lbs, torque the center bolt, rotate the crank twice, wait 15 minutes, and the tensioner doesn't get ay closer to being within range. (AKAK, the drill bit test, or reinserting the pin). Am I missing something? I've done it 5 times now.

Edit - I am assuming that since I removed the balance shafts, I don't have to have the screwdriver inserted in the plug, right?

 

[NOSNUSE]

I torque the pulley to 2.6 ft lbs

Isn't it 26 ft/lbs?

 

[BUCK]

"aggietsi: Edit - I am assuming that since I removed the balance shafts, I don't have to have the screwdriver inserted in the plug, right?"

Correct - & God Bless you...

-Don't forget to Plug unused Front Balance Shaft Tensioner Bolt Hole with short Bolt, Flat Washer & RTV.

-May be necessary to BIAS / mis-Time Exhaust cam ONE Tooth Clockwise - Belt Tensioning will roll it back into time.

-Don't forget to apply soft Loctite or RTV to Tensioner Fasteners & apply Final Torque.

-Run ALLTHREAD Tool in until Tensioner Bottoms

-Basically you preload the Eccentric Pulley enough to achieve the correct Tension setting...

-PRE-LOAD the Tension Pulley slightly & snug Pulley Bolt

-Back off ALLTHREAD TOOL letting the Tensioner Tension the T/Belt

-Check Tension setting with Pin

-If gap is too large you have UNDER TENSIONED BELT

-IF UNDERTENSIONED put a LOAD under Tensioner Pulley with long Screwdriver & SIMULTANEOUSLY loosen Pulley Bolt, putting more Tension on Belt & Snug up Pulley Bolt while applying Load.

- Check Tension setting with Pin

- If Pin checks Sat apply Final Torque to Pulley Bolt & RECHECK TENSION SETTING (I used soft Loctite on this Bolt too).

- If Gap is too small you have OVER-TENSIONED Belt

- Don't forget you have ALLTHREAD tool there to help you hold what you've got - but don't forget to back it off when appropriate so Tensioner can apply Tension.

- Install just enuff Belts to run Water Pump - attach Battery charger & run Motor with NO Timing Covers

-Immediately when you get it running Reset Base Timing & Idle as it comes up to Full Running Temp - Start off with CAS at middle of adjustment - Check for Coolant Leaks - Check your new Water Pump & O Ring, etc, etc...

- After a good hot idle or 2 re-check Tension with Pin & Button up Covers if all is SAT - expect to see one good stretch as Belt sets in & one good re-setting after initial idle period.

 

[aggietsi]

Thanks for the help man, I actually got it all worked out right after I posted. I hadn't put enough tension on the timing belt initially with the pulley. I just pulled the tensioner (yes, a brand new one) slowly compressed it, reinstalled it, and did the pulley stuff all over again, this time I got the belt nice and taught with the pulley. I had the tension set fine the first time. I was pretty happy.

Drives pretty well, but idle is kinda rough. Seems a bit louder than it used to, and vibration is pretty noiticable. I'm sure I'll get used to it. Thanks for the help! You're like, Mr. Timing Belt.