timing belt tension

[bentandbuzzin]

Can anyone help me with resetting the timing belt tensioner? I know you can compress it with a c-clamp or vise but once i install the belt how do i put the right tension on the belt? I looked in the service manual and it says to use a deflector tool to measure the tension. Is there a easier way of setting the tension? I was wondering if somebody who has done several timing belts might have come up with something different.

[Z-owned]

The z32 uses a auto tensioner, not sure how pulling the used one back to put a new belt on will work though, but usually once the tension is applied it only puts on whats needed to give proper deflection.

[Zwicked]

AS you say, use a C clamp to re-compress it and then install a 10mm bolt to keep it in that position. Clamp it slowly or it will break.After the belt and idlers/tensioner are in stalled, and of course it's all lined up right (white belt lines line up with cam/crank dimples-that's all that matters), set it as shown in this guide and remove the bolt. It's easy but sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right.

http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/PICS/ti....html

Read near the end where it starts as:

"Here is the rest of the timing belt replacement procedure. "

[bentandbuzzin]

Thanks guys for the info. Say i compress the tensioner to 4mm. If i install the belt and remove the bolt and the tensioners gap increases to lets say 6mm. Do i re-compress the tensioner back to 4mm and adjust the tensioner towards the belt alittle. Will that tighten the belt and possibly keep the gap within the specs. I think the write-up says 3.5mm-5.2mm?Also in that write up it says to check belt deflection. Do i need the deflection tool that the manual says to use or is there a different way to check deflection without that tool?

[Zwicked]

Compress it so there is a 4mm gap and install the stopper bolt. Install the belt and tensioner and adjust the tensioner and tighten it down so it's pushing on the belt a little. Take the bolt out and rotate the engine back and forth a couple of turns on the crank. The gap in the tensioner should stay close to 4mm, or you will just have to redo it again.

[bentandbuzzin]

Thanks alot i feel better now.