How tight should the timing belt be

[mikelat]

I just pulled the timing belt cover intending to change it and the water pump and found the belt was quite loose, in fact I could take it off by hand without doing anything to the tensioner.
I am assuming that this is not right but how tight should the belt be?

[jlevie]

Either the belt is old and stretched or it wasn't properly installed. There should be a tensioner pin and spring between the tensioner and water pump. Make sure those parts are present. Since the belt has been running loose, I'd replace it. With the tensioner free to move against the spring, rotate the engine through two revolutions of the engine and then lock down the tensioner. That sets the correct tension on the belt.

[FLG]

When's the last time it's been changed? Might want to do that while your in there.

Beaten to it

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