some one help me please. I have just refitted a new engine in my civic and changed the timing belt whilst i had the engine out as its easier. i dont know the exact tension of the belt but was told that the belt should be able to twist about 75 degrees but it did feal a little tight. I have now started the engine but there is a whining noise coming from what sounds like the water pump (maybe the bearings inside). I think maybe the belts a little tight but dont want to slacken it off just incase. Quick response would be greatly appreciated as i need to get it sorted tomorrow.

cheers in advance.

 

forgot to ask how do i know how tight the timing belt needs to be. cheers

 

loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt, so the tensioner is free, rotate the motor COUNTERCLOCKWISE equal to 3 teeth on the cam gear (i usually just watch one tooth move about an inch) tighten the tensioner, spin the motor over a few times, check the tension of the belt.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schardbody &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt, so the tensioner is free, rotate the motor COUNTERCLOCKWISE equal to 3 teeth on the cam gear (i usually just watch one tooth move about an inch) tighten the tensioner, spin the motor over a few times, check the tension of the belt.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yea you dont need to tighten it much. Did you replace the water pump btw?

 

no i didn't replace the water pump... should i have done????

the belt is really tight at the moment.

Can you give me an idea of how tight it should i.e should have about an inch movement in the belt.

cheers mate for your help so far

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schardbody &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt, so the tensioner is free, rotate the motor COUNTERCLOCKWISE equal to 3 teeth on the cam gear (i usually just watch one tooth move about an inch) tighten the tensioner, spin the motor over a few times, check the tension of the belt.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do exactly what this guy said and you will be good. That is what the manual says to do when replacing the timing belt. If you have a DOHC push down on the belt between the cam gears and I believe you dont want the belt to touch the cam gears in the middle.

 

i went off what the haines manual says which is what that guy has put. the manual dosn't say what tension and obviously i have set it too tight. mines the sohc.

cheers matey

 

as long as it has some slack in the belt, if its a little too tight it will be ok, it should stretch pretty quickly. you should be able to move it about 1/4" or so.

 

so the belt will stretch a little then. The problem is my water pump is making a screaming noise. If the belt streches a little this should sort it out then??? I think its only the belt putting too much presure on the bearings in the water pump, but not sure

 

hmm if there are bearings in the water pump they could be bad.

 

if its that tight you need to put a little slack in it.

 

ok mate will let some of the tension off, cheers for the help you lot