timing belt touching top timning belt cover

[xavier]

As I dismantle more and more of my 323 looking for the rattle I have noticed that the timing belt touches and rubs very slightly on the top belt cover. The belt seems to sit towards the front of the crank pulley, rather than the middle. Is it possible to take the tension off of the belt and move it back to nearer the middle of the pulley. This slight touching might be the cause of the rattel.

[sajad09]

I had the same problem when i done my timing belt. It maybe that the timing belt covers are on the wrong way around as one goes on first and the other goes over it, but I can't remember which way round. If they are the wrong way around the tensioner will foul the cover and make a ratal. ( you will also see marks on the back of the cover where it's rubbing)

This maybe the case on yours. By the way the belt does sit slightly to the front of the tensioner pulley, well it did on mine anyway.

[Brianmoooore]

Check out the tensioner. Some are badly constructed, and the shaft that the bearing runs on moves where it is attached to the bracket, resulting in the idler running at an angle and throwing the belt forwards into the cover. I have seen cases of the belt worn to around half its original width because of this!
IIRC, there was a TIS issued over tensioners with Z something or other stamped on them. Either you had to ensure the tensioner had this marking, or change it on sight. Can't remember which!

[xavier]

Thanks guys. I ended up throwing the belt, belt tensioner and water pump in the bin. I will pick up new one tommorrow and fit them. Does anyone know a good thread on fitting new cam seals? I may as well do these while timing belt is off.

[Brianmoooore]

Cam seal is on a separate plate, held on by two bolts and sealed with an O ring. Fairly self explanatory when the cam pulley is off.
Just make sure that all the pistons are part way down the bores before risking turning the cam with the belt off.