Recently installed a new headgasket. I'm at the point of re-installing the timing belt, and can't seem to get the belt tight.


I've followed the procedure for tensioning the belt ... starting at TDC, aligned the cam gears, placed belt on, tightend tensioner, cranked 5-6 times to set belt, set TDC, loosened tensioner, cranked 3 teeth on cam gear, tighted tensioner. However, when I turn the crank counterclockwise, the belt skips teeth on the cam gears. The belt seems to be real loose on the intake side, and tight on the exhaust side. When the cam gears are still aligned, the crank is not at TDC ... ie. the belt skipped. Any ideas?

 

i never do what you explained. this is how i do the service. first align all the marks. loosen tensioner and move away from belt. slide belt over all pulleys and waterpump and tensioner.release tensioner back against the belt( do not tighten yet). turn the crank shaft counter-clock about an inch. tighten tensioner now. turn another 1/4 turn counter-clock and recheck tension. sometimes i push the tensioner a little against the belt before i secure the tensioner to give it a little tighter fit.