Hey Rennlisters,
Am in the process of replacing the roller on the timing belt spring tensioner. Once the tensioner was off, it became obvious why the spring never seemed to tension the timing belt correctly. Looking at the picture below, there is a thick threaded "washer" on the end of the spring and a locking nut just beyond it. I'm guessing that the factory adjusts the washer to provide the proper belt tensioning, then locks it in place with the nut.
The locking nut on mine is about 3mm away from where it would lock the adjusting washer, and it is very loose (easy to turn via fingers). Has anyone ever set the initial spring tension with this washer/nut setup? Am guessing you just do it with the belt & tensioning tool then lock it down. As you can see, the washer has holes in it so it can be turned with an allen wrench or other similar tool. Any ideas???
<img src="http://smitty1.home.insightbb.com/images/sprten001.jpg" alt=" - " />
TIA,
944smitty

 

That lock nut should be tight, and the spring set at the factory. I used the tensioner to set initial tenion on my motor, then checked with the tool. It was spot on.

You must lock down the arm after setting tension, if you don't, you can slack the belt on decel enough to skip teeth.

 

Perry 951,
Did you mess with the spring setting any or was it OK as it was?
Guess I'll set the spring tension using "the tool", tighten the lock nut, turn engine a few times, then set tension as normal...