why can't you "retension" the timing belt

[ptownTSI]

I don't get it, it is already under tension. what is the big deal if that is released and then put back to where it was. how does it shorten its life by doing this?

[Teaguer]

I don't get it, it is already under tension. what is the big deal if that is released and then put back to where it was. how does it shorten its life by doing this?

Because it is old school shit technology that only last 60k if all is right anyways .

You can remove/replace the water pump without removing tension if that is your reason .

[ptownTSI]

no i'm going to be pulling the head to replace a broken rocker on the intake # 1 cyl, just didn't get why i needed to change the belt if i've only put 1000 miles on it since i did the thing.

[Teaguer]

Haha don't be a cheap ass , how much is a new belt ..like $15 ? :p

[ptownTSI]

i drive an e30 and i'm on r3v... lol. btw whats up with the 5 lug swap photo shop wheel and did you chop the bumper onto that too with the rusty fenders and red hood?

[Charlie]

Dude, it's a $15 part that becomes a $1500 part if you fuck around, just replace it.

-Charlie

[nando]

you can, if it's new - I've put about 25k on a retensioned belt (it was new, no miles when I took it off and put it back on). but yeah, it's a cheap part, no reason to chance it. I only did it because A) I can get away with a broken belt and B) I wanted to get my car running that day, I didn't have time to wait for a new one. Also, I wanted to know if it could be done, because everyone always says no. ;)

[ptownTSI]

i wanted to know specifially why you can't, i'm going to get a new one. but physically what is it about the belt that means it can't be retensioned? you can retension a serpentine belt as much as you want.

[nando]

nothing, like I said - you can retension it. but you're taking a risk that a $15 part won't fail and cause $2000 worth of damage. Ergo, just replace it. why take a chance?

[E30_fiend]

just don't risk it bro. Its something that is inexpensive that can become very expensive if it decided to go. You could always build a non impedance motor instead of spending 15 bucks on a belt. Lol

Kinda off subject but why are you taking the head off to replace a rocker? Did you bend a valve or something?


E30Fiend

[-Javier-]

i say just replace it.

[DCColegrove]

The reason is that the internal cords may separate once tensioned then slacked off and tensioned again (works them around in the rubber).
The price of the belt is cheap insurance.

The recommended interval on M20s is 4 years or 50K (it changed...actually I wrote TSB on it in the early 90's) because we found a whole shit load were failing long before 60k.

I would personally (and if you drive like I do) replace the belt every 30K.

I just picked up a '90 2 door I for $50 because of a t belt failure...any one got some new valves for an 885 head they wana sell cheap?

[DaveSmed]

If you do decide to reuse it, reinstalling the belt with the correct rotation is critical. Mark it before you take it off.


....but really..... $15.

[nando]

The reason is that the internal cords may separate once tensioned then slacked off and tensioned again (works them around in the rubber).
The price of the belt is cheap insurance.

The recommended interval on M20s is 4 years or 50K (it changed...actually I wrote TSB on it in the early 90's) because we found a whole shit load were failing long before 60k.

I would personally (and if you drive like I do) replace the belt every 30K.

I just picked up a '90 2 door I for $50 because of a t belt failure...any one got some new valves for an 885 head they wana sell cheap?

I have a used set in decent shape (no bending or anything).

[ptownTSI]

I don't think you can replace a rocker without pulling the head? it is the #1 intake valve rocker that broke. if you can, let me know how!

I am going to get a new belt as well.