timing belt change question

Frogman75 · #1 10-13-2009, 07:59 AM

Have received much needed info from you svx gurus about parts and installation of new timing belt.... my mechanic says kits don't include timing belt tensioner- which seems correct- which he says wears out and probably needs to be replaced as well-- pretty expensive little item...any thoughts?? thanks...MK

SoCal LS-L · #2 10-13-2009, 09:50 AM

Its a hydraulic unit..... mine was just fine and I reused it. When you compress it for reinstallation, just check for any leakage of the fluid and that the shaft slides in smoothly.

dromano · #3 10-13-2009, 02:20 PM

In this manual there is a minimum spec listed for the tensioner,

http://serial.cc/

SoCal LS-L · #4 10-13-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dromano

In this manual there is a minimum spec listed for the tensioner,

http://serial.cc/

To save you a lot of skimming, heres what the manual states:

"2) Inspect tension adjuster for leaking oil seals and worn
rod ends. Slight traces of oil at rod oil seal do not indicate
problem. Ensure tension adjuster rod does not move with less than 33-
110 lbs. (15-50 kg) of force applied.

3) Replace tension adjuster if rod moves. Measure tension
adjuster rods extension beyond adjuster body. Distance should be .606-
.646" (15.40-16.40 mm). Replace tension adjuster if distance is not
correct. Inspect idler pulleys and tensioners for smooth rotation.
Replace components if noise or excessive play is noted."

As you can see, the service limit for applied force to compress is extremely wide ranging, basically look to see if theres a lot of oil pouring out of it, and if it doesnt compress by merely squeezing it with your hand, its ok. Also make sure the rod doesnt wiggle.

If you dont have it already, the link to download the manual is in my signature, as apparently you cant download the one in the "serial.cc" link. Its much easier to find what you seek when you have the downloaded version as the individual .pdf's are labeled.

yt · #5 10-13-2009, 04:54 PM

in my experiences, I have yet to see an SVX timing belt tensioner go bad... ever

Tom

trophy956 · #6 10-13-2009, 05:55 PM

hi
these tensioner were better then there replacment ,if its not bad dont replace it

earthkin · #7 01-02-2010, 06:14 PM

Well, FYI to those of you who have never had a tensioner fail... I just checked mine by releasing it with a scale measuring force, and it was below the minimum. So it does happen. It measured about 30 lbs with my crude set-up, and since the specification is:

Quote:

tension adjuster rod does not move with less than 33-110 lbs (15-50 kg) of force applied,

(thanks Chris -- SoCal LS-L -- for finding the specs) I’m pretty sure it’s bad – I expected it to be somewhere mid-range, and I’m guessing it puts out around 100 lbs when new. No oil gushing out or other obvious sign, either, just that the timing belt apparently slipped. Darn, I hate it when the guys at Brakes Plus are right.