Hey guys,

While doing a timing belt tension check yesterday on my '85 auto, I checked out my accesory belts for condition and tension, and saw that my air pump belt was a bit loose.

I was considering tightening it up, but thought, perhaps I could leave it loose, since I live in an area where I don't get tested for emissions, so don't necessarily need the air pump for that.

My question is, am I harming anything, or causing a deterioration of performance by leaving the belt loose?

And I'd take it and the pump, and any related hardware completely off, but I'm in the process of selling the car, so don't want to mod it too much in case the new buyer needs to get the car smogged.

Perhaps I should tighten the belt up, just because the new buyer will likely need to smog the car?

And info or tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed

 

Ed,

Isn't that also your fan belt?

Don't want that to start slipping. I'd tighten it up to spec if I were you.

 

+1
Glenn

 

tighten to spec. no consequences if not

 

Do not over tighten the belt. That will trash your bearings. Looser is better when it come to the air pump belt.

 

Hmm, don't know, didn't notice that for some reason. If it is (and it sound like it is since we both have '85's') that's a bit of a knucklehead move.

Although in my defense I was concentrating on my one man t-belt tension check job at the time (getting that engine around and lining up that timing mark by yourself multiple times is a bear ).

Ok guys, thanks for the tips. I'll get it tightened up to spec.

Thanks!

Ed

 

throw away your air pump

 

I would but I'm selling it, and if the new owner needs to pass smog he will likely need it. Would make it harder to sell without it.