E30 316i Cambelt Fitting

[Gonzo-the-Great]

Hi

I am new here, so apologies if this is messed up!

I want to replace the cambelt on my M40 engine but I am not sure about the method of tensioning the belt. Someone in a local parts shop advises not to loosen the tensioner and fit the belt on anyway (he reckons he watched someone do this). Is this just BS?

Hope someone can help!

[Ant]

Belt tension must be correct on the M40 engine, there is a special tool for this purpose but TBH, as long as its not overly tight/loose there should be no issues, anyone familiar with the ford CVH belt layout and procedures should be able to DIY this.


Ensure the cam timing is spot on, and make sure to replace the tensioner and idler assys whilst its apart, no sense saving a few £Â£ there, it will bit you in the ass later on.

HTH

[Gonzo-the-Great]

Thanks Ant

Have got hold of a Haynes manual which suggests a spring balance with allen key arrangement to get some indication of the belt tension. I had originally planned to do the job between shifts at work but there looks to be more to it than I thought, I cant afford to take the car off the road at the moment. It also mentions a tool to lock the camshaft. Is there anything else I have forgotten?

Any comments would be appreciated.

[spiderrm]

Just replaced mine, the Haynes manual method is quite easy to set. Important to get the belt on the teeth correct as one tooth out won't damage engine but will sound like a diesel when started up. The camshaft is in the position when the valves on No.1 cylinder are both at equal height. The crankshaft is held in place with a 9mm drill bit inserted through the hole under the starter motor, locking the flywheel in place.

[Gonzo-the-Great]

Thanks for the advice.

Good to know someone else has used the Haynes method!
Got a plate of steel so will make a cam lock though, just to be on the safe side. Will have a go at the weekend.

Thanks again to all