Timing belted slipped or something

[bobcity]

I was replacing the timing belt on my 79 spider 2000. Had some trouble with the tensioner. The diagrams show a spring to hold the tension, until it is tightened, I guess. Mine has no spring.

Anyway, must have done something WRONG when tensioning the belt because when I started the engine it went clickity click, clickity click. I stopped it immediately, but I guess that was to late and real bad.

So, can anyone tell when to go from here.

I'm thinking, that I've got to pull the head now for sure (i have a small leak in the head gasket anyway) and see if the valves are damaged. When I go to put it back together, fingers crossed here, is there a way to get everything back to proper timing. Do I put the engine to TDC on number 4 cyl. and then line up the camshafts to the marks?

[So Cal Mark]

it's probably the auxillary shaft making the noise, it has to be lined up as do the camshafts. The dot on the aux shaft gear should line up with the pivot bolt on the tensioner.
FWIW, always a good idea to turn the engine BY HAND, two revolutions before starting. The 2l engine won't experience valve to piston interference, but the aux shaft can contact the crankshaft if the t belt isn't aligned correctly. You can live without the tensioner spring, but you'll have to pry on the tensioner to get the belt tight

[bobcity]

Wow, that would be great. I had already given up on it. You are right, I didn't realize the aux shaft gear needed to be aligned, although it is mentioned clearly in the manual.

So, I'm sitting with the new belt off now. haven't turned engine since i removed it, but I didn't try to align cam marks before removing cause I was afraid to turn the engine any more. Do you think I can put the new belt back on and just align the aux shaft correctly this time?

Should I get a new belt?

Thanks,
Bob

[So Cal Mark]

I wouldn't replace the belt. Slip it back on, turn the engine by hand slowly until you get to tdc. Stop if you feel any resistance when turning. Once you get back to tdc, then you can align and check all components

[bobcity]

Mark,

Your advice has saved my bacon and engine, it now runs good as ever.

All I can say is, if your ever in Walnut Creek, I'd like to buy you lunch!


Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Bob

[So Cal Mark]

I was up there last summer, but no plans to go back soon. Congrats on everything working out