timing belt tool? is it really needed?

[M1L3S]

I just did my hg today :banana:

Went to set the belt tension, then realized that it was a hell of alot easier with the motor out of the car.

So I used a open ended wrench , got some leverage on the water pump and pushed pulley. But its still too loose for my comfort. It may be fine or may not be I donno, but I dont think I should be able to slide it around on the cam ........

Any tips , tricks or a tool I can use for the day.

I can just re-tighten it right ? Dont have to re-align everthing ( :scared: )

[JET]

A timing belt needs to be absolutely perfect. The 2 holes on the tensioner should be near horizontal or the hole on the right slightly lower than the left. Obviously the timing marks have to be lined up. There is a good writeup on the VFAQ's.

[gsxvince]

im very very good at timing a dsm
i can do it in 10 mins or so wth the motor in the car if you need help i can do it no probs
text me 7638432218

[M1L3S]

im very very good at timing a dsm
i can do it in 10 mins or so wth the motor in the car if you need help i can do it no probs
text me 7638432218

I just sent you a text ....

[Goat Blower]

Yeah, I always set mine with two nails, a screwdriver and a 14mm wrench. It's pretty easy after doing it for the 50th time. The tool does make it easier yet though.

[Tachyon]

The absolutely fastest correct way to get the correct tension on a 4g63 motor is to have the threaded rod tool, and a .153" drill bit.

Insert the rod and use it to compress your tensioner's piston all the way. Then you can take a simple pry tool to aline the top two dimples horizontal to the ground as Jet mentioned. Back the threaded rod tool out and turn the engine twice, and double your timing marks. If all marks are perfect, try inserting the drill bit between the tensioner body and arm (see figure A in illustration).

http://i.imgur.com/HW5sRdG.jpg

If the gap is too tight and it does not insert, thread the rod all the way back in, and turn the pulley a bit more clockwise (so the dimple on the right is lower than the left). If the drill bit does not fit reasonably tight, repeat the above, but rotate the pulley counter clockwise (it takes very little adjustment)

[sleepydsm]

Or.... you can get the right tools, use an inch pound torque wrench with the spanner attachment and apply the 2.2 ft lbs to the belt with the threaded rod holding the tensioner arm in place. Or you can be ghetto like me and get it close enough :)

[carltalon]

I always use a 90 deg snap ring pliers. And tighten it till the grenade pin can be moved in and out of the tensioner with ease. pull the pin. turn the motor oer a few times and see if you can re insert the pin. If you can its good. I havent had a belt fil yet.

[Kracka]

Most jobs can be done with the wrong tools...every job is easier with the right tools.

[Goat Blower]

I have to admit, I don't use the drill bit anymore either, I just eye it. I wouldn't recommend that the first 50 times though. :D