So i put a new timing belt on my 96 GSR b18c1. My question is, When it comes to belt tension, am i suppost to push up on the tenshioner myself with a screw drvier, or is the spring tension on the timing belt tensioner all that is needed?

 

loosen the 12mm bolt in the middle of the tensioner. move up or down to desired tension then tighten the bolt.

 

Yes but everytime i go to adjust tension, the timing gets all out of wack

 

Know what you mean, according to the helms you loosen the tensioner,put the belt on it-lets see- crank 1st, exhaust cam gear 2nd and intake cam gear third, then you turn the crank counterclockwise three teeth(this properly tensions the belt)tighten the tensioner and check timing marks to be sure they are still dead-on. I have not done this way yet so I dunno how well it works yet but my next one will be done this way. Many recommend a new tensioner for it to be properly tensioned,now: How have I done mine(I'm cheap so I reuse my tensioner) I turn the cam gear and crank to where they are suppose to be, I install a 5mm punch in one and a 5mm allen wrench in each hole in the top of the 1st cam caps, (exhaust and intake) this keeps the cam gears from moving
loosen the tensioner install the belt slowly lift up on the tensioner and tighten, turn counterclockwise 4-5 times and recheck timing. If its off, this time I just barely loosen the tensioner a bit retighten it then slowly push/wiggle the belt off and retime, re-install punch & allen wrench, wiggle timing belt on and recheck timing and after this time it usually is dead on and appears good to go. Try the helms way first and if unsuccessful then try the fonk way

 

There should be no need to manually push up or down on the tensioner. The old coat hanger trick is only for those who can't do it properly.

 

worked perfect. thanks alot bud!