Is it normal for the timing belt tensioner arm to reset itself after being hand turned over?

TheMrFailz · Post by **TheMrFailz** » 26 Nov 2018, 05:22

In the middle of a timing belt job here and I noticed that the tensioner once set and tightened will have it's arm reset back to the default position after manually rotating the engine a full rotation. Is that normal? It seems to still be tight belt wise so I wasn't sure. This is a brand new tensioner by the way.

edit:

I'm setting it to the cold position as the weather and car are both cold.

edit:

nvm apparently I'm setting it wrong.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Nov 2018, 06:33

These temp needle on the tensioners can be very tricky to adjust. But the needle must stay close to the adjusted position after 1-2 hand rotations, and not shake upon firing the engine. Also look at the belt: it should not run on the edge of the cams, and not wobble with the engine running.

Mind sharing the brands used for belt and tensioner? Here's why I ask www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mua7dRZok

Be sure to put the proper torque on the center bolt, it is not a large torque and too much will deform the tensioner and affect the needle spring inside. As for the temperature set, here's the way to set it. Have the tensioner at the same temperature as the engine (ie if the car is outside cold overnight at 30F, let the tensioner also stay outside until it gets as cold. http://www.underhoodservice.com/volvo-t ... tensioner/

TheMrFailz · Post by **TheMrFailz** » 26 Nov 2018, 07:19

Yeah I ended up figuring out what was wrong with it. Basically I was trying to set the tension with the arm then tighten it when I should have been setting it just tight enough not to move with a wrench than using an Allen wrench to tension it all the way up and then slightly back to hit cold. After a few manual hand rotations it's working just fine.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... it331a-oem

Post by **abscate** » 26 Nov 2018, 10:00

I want to quote jimmy as saying the tension on these things isnt that critical. I have found mine and Roys were out of whack and our cars ran fine and neither of us had timing belt problems.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Nov 2018, 11:52

Nicely done & good choice of belt kit

Now I guess only remaining item is a PCV service