Re: Service: Timing belt, water pump, other belts

["Gary G. Erickson" <erickson@teleport.com>]

Alex Kowalski wrote:

> The tensioner is not the pump.  It is a separate pulley with an eccentric
> nut on it that is turned to set the final belt tension after all of the
> slack has been taken out of the other regions of the belt.  Usually it is
> pretty durable from what I understand.  My mechanic (crusty, but a
> straight-shooter) inspected mine at disassembly and said it was in good
> shape.  I can't imagine replacing it unless it is binding, has too much
> free play, or is making noise.  Three hours is a little long for my car
> ('84 4KQ) but is probably pretty close for a 5KCSTQ.  It's not a
> technically difficult job, but I got lazy and wanted someone else to work
> on my car for a change.

I don't have any experience with the turbo'ed engines, but I was also
under the impression that the NA cars used the water pump as the timing
belt tensioner.  

I did the job myself (admittedly last Sept.) and I thought that's what I
remembered the Bentley saying.  I do remember the water pump hole
looking decidedly oblong? (for lack of a better word) while the part of
the water pump that goes into the block is definitely round.  Am I
totally off base here folks?  I won't dispute the fact that sieves hold
water better than I can remember most things.  <grin> 

Does this mean I didn't replace a tensioner when I should have?  Oh
well, considering the job, I think I'll wait until it fails.

Gary
-- 
'85 Coupe GT
Welches, OR

---------------------------------------------------
Gary G. Erickson
Business Solution Integrators, Inc.
503-702-5789       e-mail: erickson@teleport.com