1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse timing belt tensioner/pulley isn't

1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
Avatar
INDIANS32
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 125xxx miles

i am doing a timing belt repair on my 99 eclipse 2.0 non turbo. it is a 5 speed manaul with appox. 125,500 on it. i replaced the water pump as well. when i put the timing belt on and pulled on the tensioner to make it tight, it will tighten for a second then loosen back up. there is about an inch of play in the belt, but only in the area where the tensioner is. by that i mean that around the cams, crankshaft, and water pump it is still tight. is that too much play for the belt? Also is there anyway to lock the tensioner into place? i have a paper that says to use an 8mm allen wrench to lock it, but i cant find out where to place it. Thanks, Jason
Jul 12, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
MONTY STEPHENS
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
Sounds too loose.

You are supposed to replace the tensioner anyways at 100K miles (certainly on the 2nd belt change.

Don't forget the idler pulleys too, they need to be replaced.
Jul 14, 2009 at 11:25 AM