BeerBurner

Ok, the thread on doing the belts has me wondering...

In a bit, my timing belt will be due for a retionsioning (new belt and I'm about 1-1.5k miles from the initial retionsion). Is there any reason that it would be a horrible idea to loosen the belt, mark it's position on the cam sproket, loosen the tensioner, maintain belt tension on the rest of the engine with a bungee cord, remove the cam carrier, paint it and reinstall it? Then drive 15 miles to the shop for the retionsion? I know that in that 15 miles there is always the potential for the F*ckup Fairy to pay a visit, but I don't see that as being a serious issue.

Thoughts?

BB.

JustinL

Not sure if it helps or not, but you can work the belt off without loosening the tensioner. I don't know about getting it back on though...

BeerBurner

Well, I figure that getting it back on would probably help in driving it...

BB.

seb928s

Hmm why don't you just set it to TDC lock it with the flywheel lock then do your thing put the belt back on and tension until it is tight then drive it into the shop to have it retensioned.

BeerBurner

How is that any different than just marking the position (putting a few dabs of white-out on the belt and sprocket) and then putting it back together?

BB.

badass951

It is very different. If when you loosen the top of the belt around the cam sprocket and the belt slips even one tooth on the crank pulley, you are not going to be timed properly. It is going to be difficult to retain tension on the bottom while taking the belt off of the cam sprocket. This way you can just take the belt entirely off, and set the timing the way the factory recommends. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS WHEN DEALING WITH TIMING.

BeerBurner

So, that means it's a horrible idea, doesn't it...?

BB.

seb928s

Just set it to TDC and it's a great idea before you take it into the shop just tighten the belt not too loose and drive to the shop.

Granite 944

If your goal is to just paint the tower, why not just do it without removing it? Is it worth all the extra work? I know lots of people have done it while in place. Seems like more work then its worth, unless you got other issues you want to address at the same time. I'd wait and do it a more opportune time. Its up to you.

badass951

Agreed. However also make sure not to make the belt too tight.