Technical 90 degree bend in timing belt

[lorr12]

Hi , just replaced the timing belt, 2001 Punto 1.2 8v, to get correct tension I see a lot saying 90 degrees on longest run , (which I take it is from the water pump pulley to the cam sprocket?), please correct me if I'm wrong!!! I cannot get anywhere near 90 on this part of the belt even with the tensioner backed right off, and on the belt I took off it was similar. I do have a fair bit of play from the crankshaft sprocket to the tensioner. Could someone please inform me if I'm measuring the correct piece of the belt.
All help most appreciated.
Cheers

 

[Davren]

I suspect you're trying to get the 90 degrees in the wrong direction.

To tension the belt using this 'rule of thumb' method, you need to just be able to twist the belt 90 degrees half way along it's longest run, not bend it.

Dave.

 

[lorr12]

I suspect you're trying to get the 90 degrees in the wrong direction.

To tension the belt using this 'rule of thumb' method, you need to just be able to twist the belt 90 degrees half way along it's longest run, not bend it.

Dave.

Hi Davren, Thanks for the help much appreciated, let me just get this right, on the belt I am "twisting" it as in trying to turn it from say left to right on the vertical, for e.g. if it was a bit of rope hanging straight down rather than trying to fold it into the 90 like an "L" shape?
Sorry if that's sounds daft !
Thanks again

 

[Davren]

Yeah that's correct.

It is a bit difficult trying to explain it if you've never done it before.

If you have actually folded it into a 90 degree right angle, you may have damaged the fibers inside the belt. In which case you should consider getting another new one.

After you've fitted and tensioned the belt, make sure the ignition is off (keys removed) and then turn the engine using only the crankshaft pulley, 4 complete revolutions (easier if the spark plugs are out). Then check the belt tension again and re-tension if neccessary.

Dave.

 

[lorr12]

Yeah that's correct.

It is a bit difficult trying to explain it if you've never done it before.

If you have actually folded it into a 90 degree right angle, you may have damaged the fibers inside the belt. In which case you should consider getting another new one.

After you've fitted and tensioned the belt, make sure the ignition is off (keys removed) and then turn the engine using only the crankshaft pulley, 4 complete revolutions (easier if the spark plugs are out). Then check the belt tension again and re-tension if neccessary.

Dave.

Brilliant , thanks a bundle>>>> no wonder I prefer push rod engines....
Cheers