Help needed with timing belt tensioner on Punto 1.2 16v
Discussion
Just changed the timing belt, tensioner and water pump on my girlfriend's Mk2 Punto 1.2 16v. However, for the life of me, I can't figure-out how to correctly tension the belt using the tensioner.
The tensioner is on an eccentric with a spring-loaded centre hub and 2 small holes through which you insert a tool to adjust tension. Sounds easy, but with it actually on the car, it's not making any sense!
See the video below to get a clearer idea of what I'm talking about; without the bolt tightened-down, if I try to adjust the tensioner using those 2 small holes, the entire tensioner moves (not the spring-loaded bit). The nut passes through the same piece of metal as the 2 holes are in, so obviously if I tighten that down, I can't move the tensioner at all using the 2 holes. However, I can 'manually' move the sprung hub with my fingers, but any movement of the spring-loaded bit would take tension off the belt, so how are you supposed to achieve decent tension in the first place?
I've done timing belts before, but never encountered this issue before. Any help appreciated as I can't finish the job until I've figured this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5RTOTM3nR0
The tensioner is on an eccentric with a spring-loaded centre hub and 2 small holes through which you insert a tool to adjust tension. Sounds easy, but with it actually on the car, it's not making any sense!
See the video below to get a clearer idea of what I'm talking about; without the bolt tightened-down, if I try to adjust the tensioner using those 2 small holes, the entire tensioner moves (not the spring-loaded bit). The nut passes through the same piece of metal as the 2 holes are in, so obviously if I tighten that down, I can't move the tensioner at all using the 2 holes. However, I can 'manually' move the sprung hub with my fingers, but any movement of the spring-loaded bit would take tension off the belt, so how are you supposed to achieve decent tension in the first place?
I've done timing belts before, but never encountered this issue before. Any help appreciated as I can't finish the job until I've figured this out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5RTOTM3nR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY4Qk8-MetU
Is this any good? From about 2.20 on. Looks like the bolt holds the tension when you tighten it up.
Is this any good? From about 2.20 on. Looks like the bolt holds the tension when you tighten it up.
You turn the centre part via the two holes, until the two notches are aligned in the silver pointer and the centre. Then you tighten the nut whilst maintaining this tension.
You can use e.g. a pair of circlip pliers or maybe even long nose pliers to engage with the two holes, or make up a simple tool.
You can use e.g. a pair of circlip pliers or maybe even long nose pliers to engage with the two holes, or make up a simple tool.
2 things spring to mind.
Usually there is a small metal tab that locates the tensioner into the block or head - are you sure that is in the correct location (if there is one).
Secondly, I normally nip the nut holding the tensioner up so it's a little hard to move. Then put an allen key or something in the holes, and lever the tensioner until the arrows align. With a bit of practice, you can judge the torque on the nut sufficiently to keep the tensioner in position while you remove the allen key. Then you can finally torque the bolt.
Often there is a correct direction to rotate the tensioner
Best of luck
Usually there is a small metal tab that locates the tensioner into the block or head - are you sure that is in the correct location (if there is one).
Secondly, I normally nip the nut holding the tensioner up so it's a little hard to move. Then put an allen key or something in the holes, and lever the tensioner until the arrows align. With a bit of practice, you can judge the torque on the nut sufficiently to keep the tensioner in position while you remove the allen key. Then you can finally torque the bolt.
Often there is a correct direction to rotate the tensioner
Best of luck
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