why can't you "retension" the timing belt

[dark89e30]

Try it, and if you have to deburr the rockershafts (common) then do it right and pull the head. Trying to contain and remove all the pieces in the head is a risk. Bearings really don't like metal shavings.

[nando]

such an easy fix on a domestic v8, I can't believe teh germans designed an engine that requires you to pull the head to change rockers!

you don't have to pull the head - it's just that most people are too slow to figure out how to do it otherwise. :roll:

[ptownTSI]

such an easy fix on a domestic v8, I can't believe teh germans designed an engine that requires you to pull the head to change rockers!

[smcdermott326]

re: "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."

It depends upon which one. If broken by # 6 or #5, then you have chance of loosening all the rockers and sliding the rocker shaft out towards the front of the motor, without having to remove the head.

I've done it before for #5 cyl rocker, but in hindsight, would next time just pull the head.
For a #1, I wouldn't bother.

[nando]

from what i've read in the bentley and on here i don't need to pull the cam to do the rocker shaft iirc. or do i have that wrong.

you don't have to pull the cam, no.

[ptownTSI]

It's not all that hard to pull the head, I had this one off and torn down in about 3 hours (of course then I have a shop and all the special tools like the fixture to lock the rockers down to pull the cam out etc.)

The real point being is don't risk it, put a new belt in em even on a hunch and be careful of how you handle the new belt (don't twist or bend them too tight).

I always did mine every 30k hammer down driving will kill the belt pretty quick

I do need a set of new valves for an 885 head my cost on a new set of int and ex valves is about $135 , always looking for a deal (especially for my $50 car)

from what i've read in the bentley and on here i don't need to pull the cam to do the rocker shaft iirc. or do i have that wrong.

[DCColegrove]

It's not all that hard to pull the head, I had this one off and torn down in about 3 hours (of course then I have a shop and all the special tools like the fixture to lock the rockers down to pull the cam out etc.)

The real point being is don't risk it, put a new belt in em even on a hunch and be careful of how you handle the new belt (don't twist or bend them too tight).

I always did mine every 30k hammer down driving will kill the belt pretty quick

I do need a set of new valves for an 885 head my cost on a new set of int and ex valves is about $135 , always looking for a deal (especially for my $50 car)

[nando]

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.

yes you can, you don't need to lift the engine either. it's like a puzzle, it seems like you can't do it but in reality it's quite simple. you don't need to pound on anything to remove the shafts either, something else people commonly do when taking apart M20 heads.

[AndrewBird]

I think some people have loosened the engine mounts and lifted the engine up enough to get the rocker shaft out without pulling the head, but to me, that is WAY more work and effort then to just pull the head and do it on a bench.

That was one hell of a long sentence...

[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.

[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).

[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.

[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?

[-Javier-]

i say just replace it.

[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