Timing belt not tracking straight?

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 21 Jan 2022, 22:29

I just did the timing belt on my 850 today. I used the Aisan kit, which includes a Gates belt, and INA tensioner and idler pulleys. I got it together, and while watching it run without the cover, I noticed the belt wanders back and forth. I first noticed it on the idler, but upon close inspection I think it's moving a bit on all of them.... back and forth. Maybe a 1/16" at the most, probably less. The belt never protrudes off the edge, just moves right up to it.

Is this normal? Now, I wish I would have watched the old one run. I'm new to timing belts.

I did notice that the new idler is lighter duty than what I believe to be the original that I removed. I almost re-installed the original, but I did detect just a but of play in the bearing. The idler was pretty much identical to what I removed, but the original was made in Germany, and the new one, in Slovakia.

I probably could have only changed the belt.... now I really want to get the bluetooth device, so I can check my mileage.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Jan 2022, 10:14

I had a similar experience with a Gates belt. I eventually replaced it with a Conti belt and that got rid of the wobble.

viewtopic.php?t=73552

Post by **abscate** » 22 Jan 2022, 10:19

If you have metallic pearl paint you shouldn’t use Gates parts…..they die and go to Heaven

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 22 Jan 2022, 11:46

erikv11 wrote: ↑22 Jan 2022, 10:14 I had a similar experience with a Gates belt. I eventually replaced it with a Conti belt and that got rid of the wobble.

viewtopic.php?t=73552

Your video is exactly what mine is doing. I think I'll leave it at least until it's warm out, and plan to check it every so often until then.