2003 s80 adjust timing tensioner

moose1 · Post by **moose1** » 19 Nov 2015, 15:37

Greetings, Moose1 here. I am now in the final stages of changing timing belt & I am facing the same problem as wichitas80 who was answered about the timing belt tensioner. After running the 6mm hex counterclockwise to the 7 o'clock position, then clockwise so that the indicator is a bit beyond the desired position, then backed off to the apropriate temp range, I then began to turn the 6 mm hex wrench counterclockwise back to the 10 o"clock position. When that was done the indicator went with it to11 oclock. Should I be holding the indicator into its center 68 degree position when turning the hex back to 10 o'clock ? Does the 6mm hex have to end up at the 10 o'clock position, or can it be at 12 where the indicator is in the correct range/ AARgh!

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Nov 2015, 15:44

tightening the tensioner is a 2 stage process.

Set it as you described in your post. Then turn the crank so the belt tightens up between the intake and the crank. (maybe 1/8 to 1/4 turn of crank. The slack will now move to the adjuster side.(this is why tensioner indicator moved) now, reset the tensioner so its in the correct range and tighten the bolt.

If the car is running and you see the indicator bouncing back and forth a 1/4 in or so ,it is not properly set. Once set correctly the indicator will stay in the same position (with car running ) and look like it is vibrating slightly without moving.

moose1 · Post by **moose1** » 20 Nov 2015, 08:23

Thx ; success by the means of your two stage process. however, i used the method (twice) that came with the timing belt kit instructions, namely, turning the hex base clockwise so the indicator is past optimum, the back until in the correct range, and tightening the center bolt. This leaves the hex in a 12 o'clock position rather than in 10 0'clock as prescribed above. indicator moves nicely with pressure on static belt. for whatever reason, engine will not fire (#@%&^%##@!!) so i will see what i did to invoke that. it had previously fired up once the tensioner was installed & tightened. I'll recheck all today, but all of the marks align. AArgh!