timing belt loose upon teardown

[jbruch694]

Hey all, I'm new here. I did some searching and couldn't find any info on the issue I'm having. I just picked up a 1987 325is about a month ago, it needs a lot of work and I'm just starting up on that. I need to overhaul the whole cooling system and replace a bunch of leaky seals, and I ordered a kit from pelicanparts.

I started tearing it down last night, and got to pulling the timing belt covers and balancer. The timing belt was very very loose even with the tensioner spring and everything still in, and I went to line up the cam and crank markings, and when the crank mark is lined up, the cam is about 2 notches to the right of where it should be. I'm not sure if the belt is stretched or the tensioner isn't tightened all the way or what, but either way its pretty screwy. It wasn't running too great before, and I guess this is why.

My question is, would I be safe setting the crank to where it should be, taking the belt off and rotating the cam to its mark? I'm thinking this would be fine, I just wanted to double-check.

Thanks, JB

[nando]

yes that will be fine

be sure to replace the tensioner, and consider a new spring (perhaps it's damaged).

[jbruch694]

alright thanks. yeah I have all the new stuff, tensioner, spring, pin, everything in that general area to replace, I just wasn't sure what to do about that specific situation. Thanks.

[PNWDan]

Its about $60 for a belt and tensioner. Just do it all while your there

[$hane]

When i first did mine i pulled it off without loosening the tensioner. It was rubbing on the cover because it was trying to come off. Replaced it and tensioned it properly and all was well.