Timing Belt: Adjustments

Tension Adjustment
AFTER BELT REPLACEMENT

NOTE: If the timing belt was replaced (or to adjust tension on a used belt) follow thin procedure.

1. Loosen the tensioner lock nut, then turn the tensioner clockwise and counterclockwise with a hexagon wrench at least two times.





2. Tighten the tensioner lock nut.
3. Turn the crankshaft clockwise a full rotation at least two times, then slowly set the No. 1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke.





4. Measure the deflection of the timing belt midway between the camshaft sprockets while pushing with the specified force as shown.
Belt deflection when engine is cold (reference value): 13 - 15 mm (0.51 - 0.59 inch) at 98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.) force
5. If the belt deflection is not within specification, return to step 1 and repeat the procedure.

AFTER ENGINE OVERHAUL OR ENGINE REASSEMBLY (WITH ROCKER COVERS REMOVED)

NOTE: If the engine was overhauled or previously disassembled (i.e. intake manifold or cylinder head were removed), follow this timing belt tension adjustment procedure.

1. Loosen the rocker shaft bolts to relieve the belt tension caused by the camshafts.
2. Loosen the tensioner lock nut. keening the tensioner steady with a hexagon wrench.





3. Turn the tensioner 70° to 80° degrees clockwise with a hexagon wrench to release the belt tension, and temporarily tighten the lock nut.
4. Turn the crankshaft clockwise at least twice, then slowly set the No. 1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke.





5. Push the middle of the timing belt between the RH camshaft sprocket and tensioner pulley with the specified force [98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.)] to apply tension on part "A".and part "B" of the timing belt as shown.
6. Loosen the tensioner lock nut, keeping the tensioner steady with a hexagon wrench.





7. Position a feeler gauge size 0.5 mm (0.0206 inch) thick and 12.7 mm (0.500 inch) wide under the tensioner pulley as shown.





8. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the feeler gauge is positioned between the tensioner pulley and the timing belt as shown.
^ The timing belt will move about 2.5 teeth.

9. Tighten the tensioner lock nut, keeping the tensioner steady with a hexagon wrench.
10. Turn the crankshaft clockwise or counterclockwise to remove the feeler gauge.
11. Turn the crankshaft clockwise at least two full rotations, then slowly set the No. 1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke.





12. Measure the deflection of the timing belt midway between the camshaft sprockets while pushing with a force of 98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.) as shown.
Belt deflection when engine is cold (reference value): 13 -15 mm (0.51 - 0.59 inch) at 98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.) force
13. If the belt deflection is not within specification, return to step 1 and repeat procedure.





14. Install the lower and upper belt covers.
15. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.