potent951turbo

Just a quick question since I can't seem to remember myself. I am tensioning my timing belt right now and I can't remeber if you should turn the tensioner counter-clockwise to set the tension or clockwise? I read that it should be turned counter clockwise towards the water pump, but wanted to be sure.

BTW- This is an 86' with the eccentric type tensioner.

xsboost90

doesnt really matter, but turning it clockwise keeps it from getting looser if the bolt grabs it alittle while tightening.

MM951

I think you do it CCW..apparently has to do with the fact that the back of the timing belt runs the waterpump and if tensioned CW it *may* not put enough tension on the waterpum,p

Spidey944

Set your belt pre-tension, rotate engine Clockwise 2 revolutions. Set your mark back up on the cam tower, then back it off CCW using the crankshaft bolt 1.5 teeth from the cam gear mark. This will put the slack where u want it. Then tension your camshaft belt to specs. I just did it today, worked great. Not doing this made my belt hella loose the first time setting tension.

austin944

The factory service manual says to "turn the tensioning roller anticlockwise while tightening" and "clockwise while loosening" on page 15-4, although on page 13-3 they actually show the tensioning roller installed such that turning it clockwise would tighten it. The Haynes manual also shows it installed both ways. I've actually run it both ways and have not had the engine self-destruct (yet).