Thaddeus

OK, I'm not swearing. But maybe later.

I was adjusting the timing belt, getting ready for spring. Had it all dialed in. Was getting ready to put the cover back on, when I noticed a loop of wire in there. I touched it. It came loose. It's the little rat tail that leads to the belt tensioner sensor. 4" long, female spade receptacle on one end.

I can't see a way to re-

attach it... can't see the male thing in there. It's looking like I have to pull off the center timing belt cover, which means the accelerator cable bracket, fan, alternator have to come off too.

Right?

Or is that male end capable of being re-hooked up without pulling the cover off? I can't SEE the dang thing.

For the love of PETE. This is a FINE how-do-you-DO.


Guess I know why I occasionally got the tension belt warning light coming on under WOT... the female end was just touching, no more...

TAREK

If it's anything like my '85 euro, you need to remove the cover and reach in there for the male part, which is angled in a way that points to the passenger seat. It's tight in there, so you'll be cleaning the area with your knuckles. Mine was causing a timing belt warning light and I fixed it by cleaning the male connector with sandpaper. Worked for a few miles and now the light is back on again. I'll wait for the next timing belt R&R to do a better job at it.

Hope this helps

Jim_H

Thaddeus,

BTDT, last week. You may save time in the long run pulling the center cover, I didn't. I used my handy dandy little round extension mirror. The male spade is right up against the middle cover(90GT). Once you see the receptacle it's a little easier to get your bearings. Make sure and pinch the female side a bit or it might pop off again.
HTH

Thaddeus

Wow, I've never had Randy edit one of my posts, before... and this is one I was at pains not to cuss in!

Thanks, Jim and tarek. I'm about to bite the bullet...

Great Scott!

Jim_H

Thaddeus,

I forgot everything you have to pull off to get the center cover off. This is easily done without removing the center cover. I had to actually move the male spade. In order to move it I had to loosen the allen and go in from the top with a long screwdriver to move the spade, all while viewing from the side with my mirror. This goes with out saying but it's never stopped me before- do not drop anything inside the covers.

Thaddeus

maybe it's time to swear...


Do I have to remove the center crank bolt and big pulleys to get the center cover off? I can't remember from last year..

PLEASE somebody tell me "no"...

Ed MD

Thaddeus, where are you, I have surgical instruments for lap. procedures and can do a lot of things remotely. Ed M

Thaddeus

Hmmm.... you got one of those cameras that go in really tiny places?

Nevermind.

Jim_H

You didn't drop something in there did you?

Thaddeus

Not.... yet....

Can that center cover come off without taking the crank pulley off? I really don't want to have to do that...

Jim_H

I don't think so but I am not positive. are you sure you can't get to it from the pass. side? Or are you having to repostion the spade.

Thaddeus

I have walked away before I mess anything else up. I'm going to buy a little mirror and try the keyhole surgery thing again tomorrow. Anyway I nearly blew out my knee lifting weights today and I think I should just sit here at the 'puter instead of standing around on concrete...

Jim_H

You can get it with a mirror, and patience. Once you see where it is with the mirror it will be a snap.

Oh, take 4 advil.

Ed MD

Yes the center can come off without removing the crank pulley, but not without removing the belts and you sill have to deal with the alternator console. Check Pirtle's Timing Belt Procedure. Good luck, is there anything magnetic on the lost piece? Ed M

TAREK

I didn't have to remove the center cover on my '85 euro. Only the passenger side cover. But yours may be different