[Shotimes] Rookie Timing Belt Question

[George Fourchy]

On Tue, 22 Feb 2005 13:09:26 -0800 (PST), Dave Ulring wrote:

>how do I know where to
>line up the line with the crank?  I guess I could
>reinstall the PS and Alt belt pulley to line it up,
>but I figured you guys have a method without having to
>reinstall the lower timing belt cover and pulley.  

It's been a while...several years....since I was inside an engine for a
60K....but.....as I remember.....

There are three lines on the timing belt that line up with pointers on the engine or
sprockets.  Two are at the top, and the third one is down on the timing sprocket. 
When the crankshaft is at TDC, the crankshaft keyway is at the 11:00 position, and
the dot on the sprocket is opposite it, at the 5:00 position.  That is where the
third line on the belt goes.  Make sure you have the belt on properly....check the
instructions you are following.  I think the writing on the belt needs to be upside
down if you are reading it from the sprocket end of the engine...it is right side up
from the throttle body end.  If the belt is on backwards/upside down, the crank
sprocket mark will not be where it should be.  Also remember that when you rotate
the engine after lining up the belt marks, they will not line up when it gets back
to TDC.....but the marks on the sprockets WILL line up....they are what count.

>The second problem I have is with the timing belt
>tensioner.  I loosened the nut and used a 5 mm hex to
>relieve the tension to remove the belt but then forgot
>to tighten the nut back down.  Therefore the tentioner
>is no longer under tension.  I did not see it spin
>down, but is it safe to say that if I rotate it clock
>wise until tension is built back up and tighten the
>bolt I will be ok, or is the tentioner hosed?

Here again, check the instructions.  It is feasible to remove the tensioner from the
engine.  When it goes on, the spring wraps around it the proper amount of times to
give the proper tension (the pin in the block is in the right place to make sure it
goes on right).  If you rotate it to tighten it up, it should be at the proper
tension when it is in the right position.  It is not hosed.

Hope this helps....

George