2001 xc70 Replaced my exhaust cam seal, how to get T. B. Back on?

RogeRookie · Post by **RogeRookie** » 04 May 2020, 21:22

Made my marks on both pulleys and timing belt. Replaced exhaust cam oil seal, replaced the pulley exactly. Now this timing belt is a bummer getting back on. To get the pulley off I had to loosen the smooth pulley right beneath the exhaust cam, two bolts. TB slipped off exhaust pulley no prob. How can I get this TB back on ?? Did not need to replace the TB, it had been done recently by previous owner. Thanks, R.

Post by **abscate** » 05 May 2020, 00:10

Your 2001 has a variable valve timing on one or both of the cams. Did you have to remove a large tots screw or just three small small hex screw to get to the cam seal?

The setup of the timing belt is bit different in each case

If you know all this and just need help with getting the belt back on, it usually helps to loosen both the tensioner and the smooth idler pulley bolts.

RogeRookie · Post by **RogeRookie** » 05 May 2020, 10:47

Thanks for reply. The 3 hex bolts. Ok, I will loosen both "tensioner and smooth idler pulley bolts" and make another attempt. Once I succeed, I will determine if PCV was the cause of seal failure and proceed accordingly. THANKS IN A HUGE WAY. You are an awesome moderator abscate!!!!

Post by **oragex** » 05 May 2020, 11:13

If you have a helper, you don't have to remove any pulley. The hardest and most important part here is to first engage the belt on the crank teeth and to keep it there. You can loosen the tensioner bolt, but be sure you know how to set the tensioner back on. But try this first - always careful not to rotate the cams (better lock them). Have all pulleys in place, pass the belt over the crank first and make sure it sits on the crank teeth from underneath, keep tension on it, pass it over water pump, tensioner and idler pulley, then pass the belt over intake cam, then keep the tensioner needle pushed all the way to the right, and slide the belt over the exhaust cam. It should barely slide, but should work. At all moments, keep an upwards tension on the belt so it doesn't 'fall' off the crank pulley teeth and of course make sure the crank doesn't turn (2x check all timing marks at the end).

Post by **abscate** » 05 May 2020, 14:40

RogeRookie wrote: 05 May 2020, 10:47 Thanks for reply. The 3 hex bolts. Ok, I will loosen both "tensioner and smooth idler pulley bolts" and make another attempt. Once I succeed, I will determine if PCV was the cause of seal failure and proceed accordingly. THANKS IN A HUGE WAY. You are an awesome moderator abscate!!!!

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