Ford special tool

[Matthew-TMM]

Anyone know where I can get hold of Ford tool 21-113 (timing belt tension tool), and how much it costs to buy? I know it's only an old Escort, but I don't want to risk a snapped timing belt, and can't (easily) afford to pay a dealer to do it.

[dilbert]

Is this a CVH engine?

I had an 84 Orion, many moons ago, I can't remember how I did mine but I'm sure I had no special tools. It wasn't a problem and ran for more than 30K without further adjustment or failure.

[KITT]

The standard test for the Ford Pinto is to see if you can twist the timing belt at it's longest point by 90 degrees and no more. That's then set the correct tension. Not sure if the CVH is the same or not though.

[dilbert]

KITT said:

The standard test for the Ford Pinto is to see if you can twist the timing belt at it's longest point by 90 degrees and no more. That's then set the correct tension. Not sure if the CVH is the same or not though.

Now you say it, I think that's what I did. The car got driven into, whilst parked, before the belt needed changing. I'm sure that I did 30K like that though.

[Matthew-TMM]

Tempting, but

Haynes Ford Timing Belt Manual said:

However, even in experienced hands it is only possible to achieve an approximately correct setting and in the worst case it is a recipe for disaster.

Might have to resort to it though, but would prefer not to.

[KITT]

If it's any consolation I used this method for my Tiger with it's high lift cam and twin 45 carbs. The car's been used at constant high revs on trackdays and it's not come slack or snapped yet

[nighthawk]

The method described for the pinto is near enough, but it's NOT the correct way to set it, which involved rotating the engine back through 60degrees and checking the tension with the gauge.


Back to the CVH, has your tensioner pulley got the spring fitted?
if so, release the pressure slowly and taking care not to allow it to shock load the belt the tension will be somewhere near. rotate it 2 revolutions and give it a twist. light effort with finger and thumb should see it twist around 50-70 degrees.

You might be able to borrow the gauge from a local ford dealer, suggest leaving a decent deposit as security.

[Matthew-TMM]

Thanks everyone, sorry I didn't reply earlier, I haven't been able to get access to the internet for about a week. Might try the Ford dealer then.

[ZR1cliff]

dilbert said:

KITT said: The standard test for the Ford Pinto is to see if you can twist the timing belt at it's longest point by 90 degrees and no more. That's then set the correct tension. Not sure if the CVH is the same or not though. Now you say it, I think that's what I did. The car got driven into, whilst parked, before the belt needed changing. I'm sure that I did 30K like that though.

I do the same when i replace the cam belt on my 1800 CVH,ive lost count of the belts ive fitted and had no failures.