m20 timing belt on the edge of cam? is it safe?

[mr.vang]

so i got the timing belt on and timing is right on but the belt is on the edge of the cam gear. i try pushing it back into the middle but when i rotate the crank, it'll move back to the edge. is it safe or will it rub the cover and do some damage?

[paperplane94]

Important part, should worry a little more. Try to check the pulley alignment of everything i.e. Crank hub, Cam sprocket.

Make sure the dowel pin is seated in the cam sprocket and the cam, and that the tensioner is not causing an uneven track.


Don't be afraid to remove the belt and re-tension it. Replace it again if you are paranoid about removing it like me.

[nomansland92]

That doesn't sound safe, can you post a picture.

[mr.vang]

That doesn't sound safe, can you post a picture.

i'll post pictures tomorrow.

[CHIF8008]

my Timing belt sits closer to the back edge of the cam gear. i am assuming you are saying yours is at the front edge, correct?

[nates 87 325is]

Mine did this when my tensioner was bent, I'm guessing po tried to pry the tensioner tighter then just the spring pressure.

[mr.vang]

Mine did this when my tensioner was bent, I'm guessing po tried to pry the tensioner tighter then just the spring pressure.

talking about tension, i didn't tight the tension yet. let me tight the tension and hopefully it'll stay.

[M3 Ryan]

talking about tension, i didn't tight the tension yet. let me tight the tension and hopefully it'll stay.

you are supposed to let the tensioner spring tension the belt as you rotate the engine around twice, then tighten the bolts down to hold the tensioner. DO NOT over-tighten the tensioner with a pry bar. This will cause the belt to rub the timing covers and force it to walk forward on the pulleys. BMW knew what they were doing with the spring tension so follow the directions and don't over tighten the belt and you will be fine.

[mr.vang]

you are supposed to let the tensioner spring tension the belt as you rotate the engine around twice, then tighten the bolts down to hold the tensioner. DO NOT over-tighten the tensioner with a pry bar. This will cause the belt to rub the timing covers and force it to walk forward on the pulleys. BMW knew what they were doing with the spring tension so follow the directions and don't over tighten the belt and you will be fine.

after i let the spring does it job and tight it, the belt no longer move to the edge of the cam. the reason why it keep on moving to the edge because i forgot to tighten the tension. thanks