Hello. I am in the process of installing a new timing belt (Goodyear Gatorback) on my B18C engine. My problem is that when I install it like the Helm's tells me too, the belt skips a tooth at least once during the first revolution. This is before tightening the tensioner, since the Helms says 4-6 revs first, and then tighten the tensioner.
I did things a little differently, tightening the tensioner from the start, and then the following happens- tons of slack shows up between the cam gears. Also, there is a bit of slack between the gears to start out with. Not enough slack to get to the next tooth, but there seems to be way too much slack.
In addition, I can take off and put on the timing belt with my hands, as long as the tensioner isn't tightened down.

Here is a picture-



Is the belt defective? How do I keep the belt from skipping?

Thanks
Ben

 

That seems odd indeed. You are turning it counterclockwise at the crankshaft correct? I'd just turn it a few teeth only, to where there is no slack between the exhaust cam and the crank. Then tighten the tensioner and then see if it rotates ok.

 

I usually rotate the assy 3 cam teeth and tighten the tensioner before rechecking the timing marks.

Are any or both of the decks milled down?

Have you tried an old OEM belt? Maybe the Gatorback is a little too long.

You may have to manually put pressure on the tensioner to get it to tighten up if nothing else helps.

 

Weird things happen when you work on a car all weekend after working 60+ hours during the week.
Loosened up the tensioner, cranked it until the belt was tight (right after TDC), tightened the tensioner. MAGIC! The belts fits perfectly.

Thanks again...I feel better now.

Ben