did timing belt/balance shaft belt and water pump with NO special tool. no problem

 

i did see them on ebay for $26. I may just go that route.

 

Honestly, just find out the thread size and pitch of the tool and get some threaded rod. Have someone weld a nut on the end and presto, timing belt tool. That way you only spend the cost of the rod. You dont need a certified welder to tac a nut on the end.

 

14" long 8 x 1.25mm threaded rod...can get at a bolt and nut shop. Put 2 nuts on one end and tighten against each other..no need to weld. Put antiseize on threads to prevent binding. As far as the pulley tensioner tool, the real one makes the job easier...otherwise get a medium size pair of right angle needle nose pliers and grind the tips down to fit the holes in the tensioner pulley. You can adjust the tensioner pulley so as to leave enough pressure on the tensioner so the "grenade" pin can be removed with a bit of snugness which will give the correct TB tension.

 

good info, thanks

 

i have seen it done with the threaded rod but i really liked the tool i bought better made matter much easier to deal with...... when i was watching the metal rod got destroyed twice where as my tool worked great

 

o and btw if you pm the vendor on ebay he will sell u both tools for 52$ shipped..... The one to set the initial tension on the timing belt and the tensioner rod..... I personally bought both tools taking no chances when i did my timing and balance belt....

 

FYI....If the tensioner is the same as my old 90 eclipse GSX, then you don't need a tool (if you are replacing the t-belt, and balance belt). What I did was remove the tensioner (3-4 bolts), and put it in a vise. Compress it, and put a small pin, allen wrench....something like 3 mm., to hold it compressed. Then install the tensioner, belt(s), cams, and gears. When all is lined up, pull out the pin.....then the tensioner will de-compress and set tension. Turn the motor over 3 revolutions by hand, and recheck your marks. If they are dead on, put the cover on, and enjoy. If I am not mistaken, the special tool is so you can replace the cams, WITHOUT removing the t-belt, and cover.

I don't own the tool, and I have cams to install as well. I am waiting for my t-belt to come in. When it does, I will do the swap the same way I had just described.

Good luck bro...