I'm so sick of trying to replace this freaking timing belt. It seems like one problem after another. I was probably better off taking it to a mechanic. I can't get the timing belt back on. I checked the new belt with the old one and they are bolt the same size and same amount of teeth. I wanted to double check so I tried to get the old belt back on and it was a little bit too short. I followed the manuel and website on which way to put the belt on and still no luck. Also I tried heating the belt and pulling on it. Should I pull on it hard? I don't see any other options. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

WHERE EXACTLY ARE YOU HAVING HARD TO PUT THE BELT ON? HAVE YOU TRIED WHAT I TOLD YOU TO DO? LOOSEN THE 12MM BOLTS, THEN PRY THE TENSIONER BACK, TIGHTENED THE 12MM BOLT ON YOUR RIGHT OF THE TENSIONER TO HOLD IT BACK IN PLACE, THEN START ROUTING THE BELT COUNTER CLOCKWISE WHERE THERE IS NO SLACK IN THE BELT, IF THERE IS SLACK/PLAY, ROTATE THE CRANK TO COMPENSATE, THEN YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUT THE BELT ON.

 

if I rotate the crank it will be out of timing. How can the cam and crank rotate at the same time if the belt isn't on the entire assembly?

 

what you have to do is rotate the crank just so it's off a tooth then when you install the belt there will be play on the side that the tensioner is on, then you rotate it back the other way to tightened the belt, got me so far? then continue routing the belt counter clockwise and then the belt will fit.

 

great advice. I think the aftermarket belt is too small. Finally, I got it on but there is super tight all the way around. Even with the tensioner pushed all the way back.

 

wow never seen that yet...glad it worked for you. what you should do is before you go ahead and put back everything, after releasing the tensioner, rotate the engine in the normalrotation 2 times see if the timing marks line up. you can also check the tension on the belt also.

 

A timming belt seems like something you would go to a mechanic about, not saying the average joe could do it but the risk of F up and ruening your engine seems like it is worth the price.

 

I have changed 3 timing belt since now,

one on my ford escort96
one on my sister accent 2002,
my on my accent 2001,

and it was so easy...
the only tool you really need it is a impact gun.

One friend have done is own on a Eagle tallon dual over head cam with hydrolic tensionner
and he says it was toff, but he ask the dealer ship for advise and it work well.

for all the timing belt I have changed it was always aftermarket.

Regards,