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Balance/cam belt retension - advice

M

Mr.FixitNorm

New member
Hi All,

just need a bit of advice, I've done about 1000miles since balance & cam belts were done on my `S' I want to do a quick tension check and I'm sure I've read on here somewhere that the balance belt should twist about 180 degree on the longest length and the cam belt about 90 degree

Is this correct?? , I think the balance belt may be a wee bit tight still as I have a slight whine from the engine.

Any help gratefully recieved as always.

Norm
 
It is normally the balance belt that whines and it should be quite slack i.e. 180 degrees as you say. Retension and your car will not sound like a jet engine anymore [;)]
 
Automatic tensioner usually adjust cam belt as it should be. Balance saft belt it suprisingly loose.99% of first timers adjust it way too tight, causing the sound like supercharged engine. I have done it both by hand and with P9201 tool. Did last summer 17 belt changes, so my thumb is quite accurate, won't need tool any longer....
 
ORIGINAL: os951
Automatic tensioner usually adjust cam belt as it should be.
Click to expand...
Not to be relied upon tho'. My automatic tensioner always over-tightens the belt; it needs to be loosened slightly.


Oli.
 
Took the plunge on saturday and decided to check/adjust the belts myself. Having removed the covers I was surprised how accessible everything was ! I watched a video online thats posted in the tech section, of the American guy changing and tensioning belts ( really useful ) and the first thing I had to do was grind an old unused 1" slim spanner out to 27mm [8|] for the tensioning pulleys

Following the video and a print out from clarkes garage, the cam belt appeared to be ok ( about 90 degree twist on longest run ) the balence belt however was a tad tight, I retensioned it and checked the guide roller gaps then started her up with the cover off ( scary moment hoping I'd got it right ! )

Before, if I revved her stationary I could get a slight whine, now it's gone [:D] put everything back and gave her a good run and she's much quieter ....................... now to find that bloody water leak into the rear passenger footwell[8|]

Norm
 
Norm,

One thing I learned about tensioning from watching the pros (indie's) do them is that they check tension from looking at the slap while the engine is running. Apparently it's quicker, easier and more reliable than using a tensioner. While the 90degree twist is the right way to start (and will get you very close to the right setting), it may be worth looking at another such engine, with the covers off, being revved a little (up to around 2000 or 2500rpm, or so), and taking careful note of how much the belts flap around.


Oli.
 
Hi Oli,

Interesting that, never thought to do that, although I did start her up and watched the belts for a while to get a feel for how they were `moving'. The cam belt seemed ok and there wasn't any `slap' from the balance belt - scary how loose it is when it's tensioned right though !

I think I'll drive it for a few more miles then have another check when the weathers warmed up.

Would be interested to hear from anyone else checking / adjusting they're own belts.

Norm
 
Balance saft belt it suprisingly loose.
Click to expand...

I did a DIY belt change and learned what Olli said above

Its not rocket science, my car was incorrectly assembled when I replaced mine - Full main dealer bodge again.

good luck
George
944t
 
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