Timing Belt: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Valve timing alignment:

***UPDATED BY TSB EM87-004 JULY 1987
Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove splash cover and under cover from right side of vehicle.
3. Remove drive belts.
4. Set No. 1 cylinder at top dead center (TDC) on its compression stroke.
5. Remove water pump and crankshaft pulleys.
6. Support engine with suitable jack and remove right side engine mounting bracket.
7. Remove upper and lower dust covers, Fig. 2.
8. Loosen timing belt tensioner locknut and rotate tensioner clockwise, then tighten tensioner locknut. Mark rotating direction mark on timing belt.
9. Remove timing belt. After removing timing belt, do not rotate crankshaft and camshaft separately.
10. Remove belt tensioner and return spring.

Installation

1. Ensure No. 1 cylinder is set at TDC on its compression stroke and that marks on camshaft sprocket and upper front cover and marks on crankshaft sprocket and lower front cover are properly aligned Fig.1.
2. Temporarily install tensioner and return spring.
3. Rotate tensioner clockwise approximately 70-80° and temporarily tighten locknut.
4. Set timing belt, noting the following:
a. Ensure timing belt and sprockets are clean and free of oil or water.
b. Do not bend timing belt tightly.
c. Install timing belt with rotating direction mark facing engine rotation direction.
d. Ensure timing belt is not loose around jack shaft and camshaft sprockets.
5. Loosen tensioner locknut so that tensioner pulley pushes on timing belt.
6. With all spark plugs removed, turn camshaft sprocket approximately 20° (2 cogs) clockwise.
7. Torque tensioner locknut to 12-15 ft. lbs. while counterholding tensioner.
8. Install crank sprocket plate and upper and lower dust covers.