Re: [alfa] 24v 164 Timing Belt Tensioning Tool

["David Jarman" <jarmanhome@xxxxxxx>]

Fellow Kentuckian Bob Athalter writes:

<I am contemplating changing the timing belt on my LS. I have reviewed past
postings and the TSBs and as a veteran of two 12 valve t-belt replacements,
feel
confident I can do the work. The only thing that bothers me is the need for a
special tool to set the tension. Is anyone aware of a substitute or
workaround? Has anyone sourced the original tool from a dealer? Anyone have
one for
sale? Any good web sites discussing the process? I've been to the 164 site.>

Bob, I assume you have the latest and greatest instructions to do this job.
Holding the cams in place (another factory fixture) is also necessary, since
most any OHC motor with a timing belt will tend to roll the cams a bit due to
lobe position and valve spring pressure.  Your post is of interest to me since
we had a 24 valver from new, for six years.  With all due respect, you best
know your own capabilities, but even though I was a dealer mechanic (many
years back), I would not tackle this job myself.  I entrusted all such work to
Bob Vollner at European Auto Specialists, in Cincinnati.  After an initial
belt failure on our car at 17K miles, bending the valves, Bob reassembled the
motor and we never again had a belt failure.  My confidence on the tensioner
issue lies with those who have done the job successfully, over and over, and
are aware of the details that can make the difference.  Besides being
technically competent, Bob is an honest fellow who does top quality work, and
who will not steer you wrong.  Their number is 513-891-8450, ask for Lee
Scovanner, if you choose to contact them.

I know there are those who have done the belt/tensioner job on their 24
valvers, who probably think I'm overboard on this, and far too conservative.
But frankly, I was intent on holding ARDONA to the new car warranty during
this time period, also.  After all, as long as I did not fiddle with the
problem, it remained their problem, right?  I've installed timing belts
before, but they all had simple spring loaded mechanical tensioners, very
straightforward.  And reliable.

Regardless of who does the work, I also want to stress how critical it is to
replace the two idler rollers when doing this job.  The 24 valve timing belt
has zero tolerance for any extra drag or friction, such as with a tight
bearing.  Under such circumstances, the belt WILL skip teeth on the pulleys.
Any more than two teeth, and you will likely get valve to piston crown
contact.  For the cost of the idlers, it's not worth the risk.  The belt
drives, tensioners and pulleys is one area on the 24V 164 that pays to
maintain religiously!

Dave Jarman
Lexington, KY
USA
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