Timing Belt Tension

[CaptMoe]

Ok, at Carlisle my belt tension read 70ft-lbs.

Looking at the FSM, it recommends 110 for a new belt and 70 for a used one. I know 95 is the target so, should I tension mine to 95?

And what is the best way of tightening the belt up?

Thanks...

Moe

[Xtrempickup]

how old is the belt? best way to tighten is the get the belt tension gauge and adjust the tensioner

[Turbo3Iroc]

You know you have to loosen the rocker shafts to measure the tension right? If they are tight it could be higher or lower. But for your case I wouldn't worry about it until you put the car back together.

[turbovanman²]

Jackson, the resident guru wants 90/95 new or used so I would tighten it up a bit. For you, I would just loosen the bolt a tad and just give the tensioner a little nudge. That should do the trick.

I know I get bashed for this but I've tensioned my belt with and without the rocker arms and found no difference but I did have it at TDC.

[Lotashelbys]

You can do it with the rocker arms tight I found if you set the gauge between the cams and have an assistant pull the two cam gear bolts toward each other with a pair of 19mm wrenches. That has gotten a pretty accurate reading for me. I would roll the motor over a few times and check it like three times this way to see if you get a consistant reading.

I always leave the lower timing cover off on all my TIIIs so its easier to get to the tensioner. If you have the lower splash shield in place you shouldnt have a problem even in the rain or snow.

Did you fix that intake keeper yet Mo?

[turbovanman²]

The limited time I drove mine in the rain and snow, with the timing belt covers off and the splash shield on, I had no water or snow in that area.

I just got FWD's underdrive pulley, you can now retension the belt without removing the serp belt and crank pulley, :thumb:

[CaptMoe]

You can do it with the rocker arms tight I found if you set the gauge between the cams and have an assistant pull the two cam gear bolts toward each other with a pair of 19mm wrenches. That has gotten a pretty accurate reading for me. I would roll the motor over a few times and check it like three times this way to see if you get a consistant reading.

I always leave the lower timing cover off on all my TIIIs so its easier to get to the tensioner. If you have the lower splash shield in place you shouldnt have a problem even in the rain or snow.

Did you fix that intake keeper yet Mo?

No not yet. I just got back from vacation. I want to correct the belt tension first and since the head is cracked anyway, I'm looking to just go ahead and either install another head or repair/rebuild mine.

I'll PM you.

Will I need to remove the right wheel to access the tensioner or do I get to it from underneath? Would i need someone to hold those wrenches while I'm adjusting?

[turbovanman²]

Will I need to remove the right wheel to access the tensioner or do I get to it from underneath? Would i need someone to hold those wrenches while I'm adjusting?


You have to remove the wheel, splash shield, serpentine belt and tensioner pulley, crank pulley and the covers if they are there. You need an allen wrench-can't remember what size and a 15mm wrench or socket. If you just want to give it a nudge, just mark the tensioner, loosen the bolt a bit holding the tensioner, and just give it a 1/16 or so and I bet you'll be bang on, :thumb:

[Lotashelbys]

With the lower cover off all you have to do is pull off the serp belt and the serp tensioner pulley and loosen the 15mm head bolt for the timing tensioner and move the tensioner with a 8mm hex socket. I like to leave the 15mm tensioner bolt snug so you can just move the tensioner with the hex socket.

Call me later if you want Mo

[Lotashelbys]

Hey Mo
I found a few spare TIII intake keepers if you want me to throw them in an envelope. PM me your address....

[CaptMoe]

Hey Mo
I found a few spare TIII intake keepers if you want me to throw them in an envelope. PM me your address....

Done.
Thanks...