New Timing Belt Question

#1

I just replaced the timing belt on my 88 325is and the belt is slightly (1/2 tooth?)loose between the cam shaft pulley and the idler pulley. Is this normal? I’m also having a bear of time getting the tensioner spring reinstalled and the water pump mounted. It seems really tight on that side. I replaced the tensioner with new, should I be replacing the tensioner spring as well while I’m in there?
Bob

#2

changing spring can depend on the condition but I replace it every time as a precaution.

1/2 tooth ‘slack’ - see if you can get the belt to go that ‘extra 1/2 tooth’ on, so that it’s tighter.

see this DIY write up for explanation and pictures - not sure I understand the problem with water pump and belt tensioner http://e30world.com/engine/BMW-E30-timing-belt-and-water-pump

#3

Thanks for the write up.
The tensioner side of the timing belt seems really tight and I couldn’t get the belt over the tensioner, even with it rotated full left and locked down. So I removed the tensioner pulley spring, pin, water pump, and loosend the lower (long) tensioner bracket bolt. That allowed me to get the timing belt over the tensioner pully but it’s difficult reinstalling the spring/pin and holding the water pump in location long enough to replace the bolts. I’m going to remove everything and start over following the write and see if that helps.
Thanks again.
Bob

#4

Works like a charm when you follow directions. The belt is on, tight, and the timing marks line up after several rotations.
Thanks for the help.

#5

That spring was a PITA.:angry:

#6

rsott59 wrote:

[quote]Works like a charm when you follow directions. The belt is on, tight, and the timing marks line up after several rotations.
Thanks for the help.[/quote]

no problem :slight_smile: glad it worked out