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O series cambelt tensioning procedure?

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  • O series cambelt tensioning procedure?

    Does anybody have any tips on how to correctly tension a new O series timing belt? (On the early 1984-86 version of the O series)

    I seem to remember the official way in the BL manual involved the use of a spring balance, but is there an alternative and safe way to do this?

    Thanks in advance

    1983 (Y) MG 1600
    1985 MG EFi with digital dash (owned since 1987)
    1987 700 City 1.6 Van
    1988 Tandy camper 2.0D
    1990 Advantage, just 29k on the clock
    1990 Clubman D
    1990 MG 2.0i (spares donor)

    (all Maestros)

    Daily drive: Rover 25 GTi

    Weekend rave: Honda Civic Type R GT

    Current projects: Allegro 1.7HLS, Allegro Equipe

  • #2
    Is this the early type with the tensioner bolted to the water pump or later? I normally put the belt on and push the tensioner against the belt so it's tight then bolt it up..
    1958 Ford Consul Convertible. I love this car
    1965 Ford Zodiac Executive. Fab cruiser being restored
    1997 Jaguar Xk8 Convertible. Such a fab car
    2004 MGZT cdti. Great workhorse
    2004 MGZT V8. I love this car

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks for the quick reply, Jeff: yes it is the early type with the water pump mounted tensioner.

      I will be keeping the original tensioner (it hasn't done many miles) unless I find any issues with it when I take the belt off.

      At least these are relatively simple engines to work on, not like the more modern stuff with vernier adjustments on the pulleys!
      1983 (Y) MG 1600
      1985 MG EFi with digital dash (owned since 1987)
      1987 700 City 1.6 Van
      1988 Tandy camper 2.0D
      1990 Advantage, just 29k on the clock
      1990 Clubman D
      1990 MG 2.0i (spares donor)

      (all Maestros)

      Daily drive: Rover 25 GTi

      Weekend rave: Honda Civic Type R GT

      Current projects: Allegro 1.7HLS, Allegro Equipe

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by digital efi View Post
        Thanks for the quick reply, Jeff: yes it is the early type with the water pump mounted tensioner.

        I will be keeping the original tensioner (it hasn't done many miles) unless I find any issues with it when I take the belt off.

        At least these are relatively simple engines to work on, not like the more modern stuff with vernier adjustments on the pulleys!
        If you can't find a replacement tensioner it's the same as a Ford pinto/Transit engine tensioner but you have to do a small modification. Much easier on older engines except when having to change of adjust the alternator as it's on the back of the engine. You'll know what I mean when you come to change the cam belt.
        1958 Ford Consul Convertible. I love this car
        1965 Ford Zodiac Executive. Fab cruiser being restored
        1997 Jaguar Xk8 Convertible. Such a fab car
        2004 MGZT cdti. Great workhorse
        2004 MGZT V8. I love this car

        Comment

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