was replacing my headstuds in preparation for installing new cams/ new tune and i notice that my timing belt was lose AND the gears had already skipped a tooth...

after installing the new cams/ timing belt (assuming it isnt the tensioner failing) what do i need to do to adjust the timing..

 

Line up the timing marks man, Re-tension the belt and hope for the best

 

I would not cut corners just replace the tensioners and the rest of the timing pieces while you are this far already. If you put it all together and the tensioner is bad and it skips a few teeth you will need to pull your head off and get it rebuilt. Spend a couple hundred now and save yourself $1000 + later.

 

You may want to pull the lower timing cover and see what is going on there. i had the tensioner bearing spin down out of place loosing all the tension on the belt. whatever you do make sure it is timed correctly with tension before thinking about trying to start it. Sometime you will notice some slop in the belt if the slack is on the exhaust side of the crank. HArd to explain but you notice the belt is loose between the cams for a short time as it turns over.

 

its doing exactly that. definatly the most lose between the cam gears. but i cant find ANYTHING on how to change a tensioner. it seems like the engine is going to have to come out to make this easier though.

 

I've heard there is a tool to get it off. I'm not 100% though. Definitely take the advice and make sure everything is perfect before you start it up. Good luck.

 

You do not need to remove the engine to remove either the hydrolic tensioner or tensioner pulley. Both are just bolted in place

 

you can access most of it from removing the wheel and fender liner

 

If your tensioner wasn't set correctly in the first place is could be over extended. Either way probably be best to get a new one.

How far are you from your next timing job?