Ok I'm doing my 120k timing kit service at the mo and have a question regarding the adjustment of the tensioner. I have read many forums about how to adjust this but was wondering if I am supposed to be doing it as per the FSM and use a push-pull gauge? I don't have one and they are not cheap to buy. Does anyone do this and if not what is the best way to do it? Does anyone use a piece of metal to measure belt deflection described in the FSM? I would really like to know so I'm confident it is done right. On another note. I have installed a new crank oil seal but didn't use the lexan/plastic method to slip it on. I was however aware of the issue when installing these using aluminium sleeve adapters from a crank/cam seal tool kit to carefully press it on. I lubricated the seal and the crank face so it didn't grab while being pressed on. It looks like it is seated correctly and after inspecting with a mirror but how do I tell if the spring did not pop out?
I use a drill bit in the gap in the tensioner the size of the correct tensioner gap. Set it up then rotate a few times the check it. The first time you do a timing belt it appears hard. After that it's easy. Make sure you count the belt teeth between the pulley exactly as the manual says. It's the best way to be sure it's spot on. Cheers
Push on the end of the tensioner with a pry bar or similar to apply tension to the belt. Tighten the fasteners to secure the tensioner, then remove the grub screw. Rotate the belt 1/3 turn in each direction then reset with Cyl 1 @ TDC and check the gap. I do like Dave but use allen keys; you should be able to fit a 3mm in there but not a 5mm (3.5mm to 5.2mm to be exact). Rotate the belt one full revolution by hand and reset to Cyl 1 @ TDC. Recheck your tensioner gap. You can spin it as many times as you like and let it sit for as long as you like -whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable. As long as the gap is correct @ TDC then the tensioner can do it's job and everyone is smiling. Mate if it looks OK it probably is OK. It will generally try to walk out if it's not in correctly, or if you've rolled the edge you'll see it.
