Merc 800 Timing Belt tension

[Moody Blue]

Wondering how much slop is too much.

Noticed while performing a sync & link, that there was a noticeable amount of "slop" in the timing belt. If I grab the belt on both sides of the distrib timing pulley there is probably 1/2" play before the belt tightens up. Is this normal or excessive? Thinking maybe the belt has stretched over the years? I have a couple spares but not sure if they would be any different/better.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: Merc 800 Timing Belt tension

Wondering how much slop is too much.

Noticed while performing a sync & link, that there was a noticeable amount of "slop" in the timing belt. If I grab the belt on both sides of the distrib timing pulley there is probably 1/2" play before the belt tightens up. Is this normal or excessive? Thinking maybe the belt has stretched over the years? I have a couple spares but not sure if they would be any different/better.

Given the history of the engine (ie, you don,t really know what the other guy did with it) its possible they put the wrong belt on it and then tried to adjust the timing and lync and sync to correct for it. Half an inch does sound a little loose. Generally the belt just barely goes on over the pulley and you have to work it down the teeth. See how it runs tomorrow, if it aint broke.........

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc 800 Timing Belt tension

Moody, Dave is correct. The belt should just fit over the dissy pully. There is no adjustment. The belt does have some slop, but not alot.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Merc 800 Timing Belt tension

Every "loose one" that I have changed was "just as loose" afterwards.