Fitting A Timing Belt To An Mi16

[yorkdave 1]

a up fellas, was just putting a new timing on my mi16, its the first twin cam engine i have ever done, i have done loads of 8valve ones. is it pretty normal to have to jiggle the cam sprockets and the crank sprocket to get the belt on? also i have always gone by the rule of if you can twist the belt through about 90degrees with your fingers it is about right. does anyone use anything any more presise? cheers fellas, dave.

[PsychoSimon 0]

the tension bit sounds right to me, but the joggling of the pulleys doesnt, as you should have them locked up? they shouldnt be able to move. i did mine two weeks ago and my pulleys were locked solid. this is imprtant because when you have tensioned both tensioners you have to check that you have one it right, otherwise you could have advanced or retarded cam timing.

Regards,

Simon

[Jonmurgie 2]

Yeah I didn't have to move the pulley's at all doing the belt on my Mi... though I had removed the tensioners completely (being replaced) then fitted the belt and then fitted the tensioners and followed the Haynes book of lies about setting the tension... seems to have worked OK for me

[eddie_1.9 1]

This is funny, only last night i was reading about this in the haynes joke book! (not cos i'm sad but in preperation for my belt change this wknd). It says in there you should only be able to turn the belt 45 degress using moderate pressure with your thumb and forefinger. I'm sure you prob are, but you should be checking the tension mid way between the front cam pulley and the tensioner.

[yorkdave 1]

cheers for the tips fellas, i will try putting the belt on without the tensions in place. i only tried juggling pulleys after talking to mate who has done alot of vauxhall twin cam engines. he says you normally have to juggle the pulleys, then once you have done two full revolutions of the engine the timing is then spot on. also just to make sure i have the right belt, are they ment to have 133teeth.