Ok everyone, a quick update. I've made it to my folks place which is a 2 hr drive up north from where I live in Melbourne. The only test driving I had done was my 15min drive to work But she ran like silk! It was definitely worth all the effort and money! It was for sure the last piece of the puzzle for my engine to get it running like new again. Now my right timing belt cover is broken in half leaving the part that mounts the PTU behind luckily. This has given me the opportunity to peak down at the auto tensioner.... Now I did what I was told had bolted it up and removed the 10mm bolt holding tension making sure it retained a 4mm gap. I rotated the engine through 720 and re-checked the gap. I did have to make a slight adjustment to the tensioner but that was me being a stickler for perfection After its been driven now, I see the gap is reduced to nothing...it has closed up in others words. Should I get back in there and fix that ASAP? I'm trying to think which way the tensioner tensions up. When you drew that bolt in it closes the gap much like mine is sitting now. When you remove the 10mm bolt the gap widens. So on this case, it's in a closed position able to give its full range of tension as the belt stretches correct? It is it too much tension?
Thanks for the update on you motor. nice to know we can help. You have the technique correct for the tensioner. Strange it has closed up, but if you reverser turn your motor, (27mm socket and breaker bar on the harmonic balance nut) you should find the tensioner will open up to the 4mm gap. Its better to have tension on the belt than to have no tension on the belt and it skip a tooth. PS replace that broken timing belt cover ASAP to stop debris getting in there. I'm sure there is someone in Melbourne that is stripping a motor.
Thanks mate! So it is ok to be in the closed position as when the belt stretches the gap will open? And yes I have a couple of offers for new second hand covers just need those dodgy rubber washers for the bolts For now, I'm going ghetto style with some duct tape :br::zlove:
* Face Palm... Up market ghetto would be to use a short length 5mm of fuel/vacuum hose on the bolt to replace the "rubber washer". The rubber washer is there to stop the cover rattling.
Dude your a genius! I didn't think of that! but the cover actually was very brittle and had previous damage that I didn't know of anyway! It's a very temporary (say a week) dodgy anyway... It's just to cover up the belt But thanks for the idea on those cover bolts!
