cam belt tension?

[Fulley]

Hi guys

Im about to change the cams in my 8. What i need to know is what is the easiest way to release the tension on the cam belt?

I only want it slack enough to allow my to remove the cam gear whilst still attached to the belt with cable ties. ( not changing cam gears)

Do I have to fiddle about with the belt tensioner or do I loosen the tensioner pulley? Or is there another way?

[Evo_marv]

it can be done with cable ties etc and just slide the belt off then back on when cams are changed but tbh on a car like this it would be much better and safer to time the engine up and remove the belt like you would if you were replacing it, as the first initial start up could go either way if it was just kinda guessed and i personally couldnt turn the key lol, there is some good guides on here for timing belt replacement, try the search button

[John@FCM]

dont be a fool do it prop or it will all end in tears
if your old belt has done more than a thousand miles and your realeasing the tension i would put a new one on just to be on the safe side

[EVO7mc]

You need this part number MD998738 about £10 from mitsy its basically a long bolt that goes into the cylinder head and releases the tension on the belt have a look at this video if unsure
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...d00128e555.htm

[BigDW]

Also worthwhile doing the balance shaft belt at the same time if it has not been done.

I did mine and wouldn't trust the cable tie method as you could easily be a tooth or more out on the crank pulley if it moves.

[Fulley]

That video makes it look easy. It does say at the start that some steps may be missing!

Can any of the more experianced guys confirm if the video is an acceptable and safe way of doing it?

Originally posted by EVO7mc
You need this part number MD998738 about £10 from mitsy its basically a long bolt that goes into the cylinder head and releases the tension on the belt have a look at this video if unsure
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...d00128e555.htm

[dearsman]

Originally posted by Evo_marv
it can be done with cable ties etc and just slide the belt off then back on when cams are changed but tbh on a car like this it would be much better and safer to time the engine up and remove the belt like you would if you were replacing it, as the first initial start up could go either way if it was just kinda guessed and i personally couldnt turn the key lol, there is some good guides on here for timing belt replacement, try the search button

very true mate for the extra hour it will take.. think its got to be done, save the engine and your wallet mate not worth the risk in my opinion ..

[Shit-Happens!!]

Originally posted by EVO7mc
You need this part number MD998738 about £10 from mitsy its basically a long bolt that goes into the cylinder head and releases the tension on the belt have a look at this video if unsure
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...d00128e555.htm

What is the idea behind being able to release the tension like in the video?

Is it to aid a quick replace of cams of the head on a rally stage - I didn't realize you could do it this way I thought you removed the belt as in a cam belt service.

[bassed]

When I change my cams shortly I'm going to use a similar method. I've only just changed the cambelt and balance belt the traditional way.

However, I am going to check all the timing marks and turn it over with a spanner a few times to check nothing has jumped before going anywhere near the key!!

Not worth the risk of not checking everything to ensure you've not jumped a tooth anywhere imo!