Author Topic: Swapping the timing belt tensioner on 1.6 N/A?  (Read 3648 times)

July 01, 2009, 09:59:55 pm

Pre95

  • Junior

  • Offline
  • **

  • 81
Swapping the timing belt tensioner on 1.6 N/A?
« on: July 01, 2009, 09:59:55 pm »
On my 81 rabbit, the PO had the timing belt & water pump replaced. The tensioner however they skipped (12k since the timing belt job was done), and the idler is now making a touch of noise. I have a new one on hand and would like to swap it this weekend.

I have been told the idler will not slide off the stud it's on, hitting the frame rail so the engine needs to be jacked up? Can anyone suggest the least time consuming way of accomplishing this? I do have an engine hoist on hand but if it's not needed I would much prefer not dragging it out.
81 Rabbit Diesel - 250k and climbing :)

Reply #1July 01, 2009, 10:37:22 pm

rabbitman

  • Veteran

  • Offline
  • ***

  • 2788
Re: Swapping the timing belt tensioner on 1.6 N/A?
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2009, 10:37:22 pm »
Maybe you can put a board on a floor jack and jack on the oil pan, not to hard though.

Take the nut off the tensioner stud and pull the tensioner out as for as it will go so you can get some vise-grips on the stud behind it or it'll already be loose enough, unscrew it all the way and remove. Installation is the reverse of removal :D
'82 Rabbit, I put on a euro vnt-15, 2.25" DP, 2.5" exhaust, the result.....it whistled.

I removed the turbo, made a toilet bowl 2.5" DP, the result....it was deafening. Now it has a homemade muffler up front and a thrush in the rear, the result.....less loud.
Watch: AGENDA, GRINDING AMERICA DOWN

Reply #2July 02, 2009, 03:28:41 pm

Quantum TD

  • Veteran

  • Offline
  • ***

  • 1195
Re: Swapping the timing belt tensioner on 1.6 N/A?
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2009, 03:28:41 pm »
Maybe you can put a board on a floor jack and jack on the oil pan, not to hard though.

Take the nut off the tensioner stud and pull the tensioner out as for as it will go so you can get some vise-grips on the stud behind it or it'll already be loose enough, unscrew it all the way and remove. Installation is the reverse of removal :D
Zactly. Just loosen the tensioner, and put a scissor jack under the oil pan. If you can't pull the tensioner off still, then kneel on the bumper and push down on the body. It should slip off. You may have to pull the belt off the cam gear while you pull off the tensioner. In which case, make marks on the belt.