how do you achieve the perfect timing belt tension?

[oldiguana]

the title says it all dudes.....what is the perfect tension for the timing belt...and how do you check it.........

[big red bus]

All depends on what engine and tensioner setup (auto/manual). What engine is it you are particularly interested in?

[Fritz]

Usually by how much the belt deflects between the two given pulleys, or by using a timing belt tension gauge....


Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,

OR, if it whines when cold it is too tight or rattles the casing it is too slack.

[Mr Bean]

Yes this is a thing which worries me a lot. Some have an automatic spring device which appliesthe correct tension prior to your locking if off. Some give a maximum deflection on one of the runs. I guess a certain amount of twist angle could be used. Without saying how to achieve it I would suggest that it should be tight enough to ensure firm engagement but not so tight as to overload the bearings or indeed the belt. I guess the best solution is to follow the manufacturers process to the letter and hope for the best. I have to say that I cringe for the first few hundred miles after a cambelt change. Obviously you need to changeat the recomended mileage but you need to be sure you are not buggering it up!
Cheers
Wolfie.
PS I left the cam belt cover off one of my CF's as it was constantly rubbing. But checking it out after driving through a blizard I found a build up of ice in the toothed pulleys which could easily have broken the belt or sprung it off with disasterouse consequences. I have seen exposed cam belts on vehicles and this does concern me as I beleive even a small stone could get caught up and do damage..

[Fritz]

A ,,,Hmmmm

PS I left the cam belt cover off one of my CF's

Now you are showing your age......


Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[oldiguana]

its on a 1y 1.9 n/a diesel with a manual tensioner.....do you test it with the quarter turn method then or hope the pixies break in my workshop and fix it for me overnight