Timing Belt: Adjustments

Fig. 1 Aligning Camshaft Sprocket Timing Marks:

1. Turn steering wheel all the way to left lock, support engine with suitable jack and remove left engine mount bracket to provide clearance to rotate crankshaft.
2. Remove timing belt upper front cover and the spark plugs.
3. Rotate crankshaft clockwise (normal direction of rotation) and inspect timing belt. If belt is satisfactory, continue rotating crankshaft until No. 1 Cylinder is at TDC on compression stroke and timing mark on camshaft sprocket is aligned with mark on belt cover, Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 Positioning Camshaft Sprocket For Timing Belt Tensioning:

4. Rotate crankshaft clockwise until mark on camshaft sprocket is 2 teeth away from mark on cover, Fig. 8.
NOTE: Do not rotate crankshaft counterclockwise, as belt tension will be adversely affected.

Fig. 9 Timing Belt Tension Adjustment Access Covers:

5. Remove accessory drive belts and pulleys as needed, then the two adjusting port covers, inserting a screwdriver into slot on timing belt cover and prying timing port covers off, Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 Adjusting Timing Belt Tension:

6. Insert tool No. MD998704 or equivalent, through adjusting port, loosen timing belt tensioner nut and bolt 180 to 200 degrees, Fig. 10.
NOTE:Do not loosen bolt or nut more than 200 degrees, as fastener may fall out into cover.

Fig. 11 Applying Pressure To Timing Belt Tensioner:

7. Check to ensure that tensioner is not sticking, by inserting a screwdriver through opening on top of lower timing belt cover and pushing tensioner toward timing belt, Fig. 11. Release tensioner and remove screwdriver. Spring tension of the timing belt tensioner will automatically adjust the timing belt.
8. Tighten tensioner lower bolt, then the slot side nut. Always tighten lower bolt first to prevent tensioner from rotating out of position.
9. Install adjusting port covers, then install timing belt upper front cover.