Hello all...I have been driving without timing belt cover recently, I noticed that when my
engine is warm the belt is loose, I can twist it maybe a half turn, however when motor is
cold it is tighter and looks to be less scary that way. The belt looks to be in good shape.
and fairly new. So my question is, is that normal? do tensioners fail much? I have a 95
850 with automatic tensioner. Any opinions greatly appreciated.

Chuck
95 850 GLT 5spd
98 Cross Country wagon

 

You might have a little slack when cold. Once you start it the pressure might become more once the fluid in the tensioner gets hot.

Hold old is everything?

 

I bought the car wholseale in October, no records from past history, the belt looks good, not scarred up or cut, the teeth are
sharp, not rounded. I just checked it, it looked ok, I will run the car later and let you know if it slacks up The area under the spark plug cover was full of oil due to a bad o-ring and loose vent hose on the head. That is dealt with. If the belt loosens up again today it's time to spend money.
Also thanks for you advice on my ac compressor from a few weeks ago. The compressor now cycles off and on with out any drama..

Chuck

 

Look good at the idler and tensioner pulleys.
If it looks like grease is coming out of the bearing area you might want to think about replacing them soon.

 

Hello Chuck,

Greetings from Chicagoland.

Your timing belt gets loose when warm, which is the opposite of Tech's description, so I am wondering about the condition of the hydraulic tensioner. Check to see if there is oil leak from the top of the tensioner. If you do see oil leaking, replace it asap. If the hydro tensioner fails while the engine is running, it will ruin the valves & pistons but I assume you alreadyknow it. You might need a good flashlight to inspect the area. Also, I wouldn't drive it without the cover, as water/mud might getinto the area and might screw up something.

The hydro tensioner shouldn't fail easily, but I usually replace it at every other belt change.

Good luck,


JPN

 

You will also notice on the tensioner the White clip looking thing.
Do you use the E-brake or just leave the car in gear?

Always make sure you install the clip if you remove it to compress the tensioner.
On Automatic's it isn't a real big deal.
But manual transmission car if you park on a hill facing up and leave the car in gear that will put pressure on the tensioner/engine. Causing the tensioner to compress.
If the shim isn't in there when the car is started it could very well jump time and bend valves.

Thats why that clip/spacer is Critical to be there.