Timing Belt Tensioner On 99 Sc400

[RedRocket]

I just put a new starter on my SC400. What a job !!!

My car spent the first half of it's life in Boston so I still finding tree leaves in far off places. There were acorns in the cavity where the starter is !!!.

I noticed the timing belt tensioner was rust coated. Can I remove it from below and reinstall it with out messing up the belt ??? The local dealer service manager told me that it was safe as long as the engine was not cranked will the tensioner was out.

BTW the V8 forum has a very good article on this started R&R. :D

[monarch]

RedRocket, can you tell me the URL for this "V8 forum" ??

With regard to your timing belt tensioner question, you might find an answer by studying the timing belt replacement tutorial here http://www.lexls.com/tutorials.html

[RedRocket]

RedRocket, can you tell me the URL for this "V8 forum" ??

With regard to your timing belt tensioner question, you might find an answer by studying the timing belt replacement tutorial here http://www.lexls.com/tutorials.html

←

It's part of Lextreme.

Here is the link: http://www.lextreme.com/

Thanks fot the reply

[Shadow]

Can I remove it from below and reinstall it with out messing up the belt ???  The local dealer service manager told me that it was safe as long as the engine was not cranked will the tensioner was out.

Quite reasonal statement but it is not impossible to mess up the timing afterward. Be sure to check the camshafts and crankshaft timing marks before and after the replacement. If they are off marks, you will be in for a rude awakening.

[RedRocket]

Can I remove it from below and reinstall it with out messing up the belt ???  The local dealer service manager told me that it was safe as long as the engine was not cranked will the tensioner was out.

Quite reasonal statement but it is not impossible to mess up the timing afterward. Be sure to check the camshafts and crankshaft timing marks before and after the replacement. If they are off marks, you will be in for a rude awakening.

←

Thanks Shadow, However, I am not making myself clear.

I want to just remove the tensior from below. I will not be able to see any timing marks or anything else. The engine is fully assembled. There is some mysterious leak that keeps getting parts of the underside rusty. I was wondering about the water pump. I DID remove the RH cover and the timing belt is clean and dry. I just wanted to see a lower point in the timing belt cavity for inspection. Since the tensioner is rusty, I was curious if it was getting moisture from some where.

[Shadow]

I will not be able to see any timing marks or anything else.  The engine is fully assembled.

Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. You'll have to take the top covers off to see the cam marks. Normally, the timing belt should stay where it is if you carefully replace the hydraulic tensioner, but things can happen when there is tension on side of the belt and slack on the other. If I were you, I would turn the crankshaft by hand (using ratchet) clockwise (when viewed from front, which should be the same direction as the engine normal rotation) and stop at the point with least resistance then turn counter-clockwise just a tiny bit to elevate tension and the tension side of the belt before removing the tensioner. Perform my procedure at your own risks ofcourse. :D

[Shadow]

Since you have interference engine, you should turn the crankshaft by hand at least two revolutions in the same direction as when the engine runs to dectect any valve-piston collision problems after you replaced the belt.

[RedRocket]

Since you have interference engine, you should turn the crankshaft by hand at least two revolutions in the same direction as when the engine runs to dectect any valve-piston collision problems after you replaced the belt.

←

Thanks all !!! :D