I tried tensioning timing belt by the book but cant. I can get one side of the side tightened but not the other. I turns counter clockwise so tension is created and one side is tensioned but the other doesnt. Any ideas how to properly do this? Ime in this situation bcuz I changed water pump and now trying to put eveeything back together. Any experiences similar or ideas would be grreatly appreciated.

 

Ok stay with me on this i'll try and explain it as easy as i can
With all timing marks in line and TDC install balance shaft sprocket and the belt double check all marks to be sure its on time?
With the belt in place make sure the tensioner adjuster nut is loose and rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise three teeth on the camshaft sprocket to create tension on the timing belt and the balance shaft belt then tighten the tensioner nut to torque.
Its a little tricky so study it carefully before you tighten everything and make sure your marks stay lined up?
good luck

 

Thanks. I tried doing that and belt seems to tighten, but when I start engine belt seems to wiggle alot...I read you position both belts, timing and balancer first, then proceed to tension. Also read that timing goes on first , its tensioned, then the balancer belt..so im not sure bout that one. Also, im not sure att what point are the tensioning adjuster nuts have to be tightened. I tried several different ways but still no success. I must be missimg something. Thanks

 

Do you have a bolt installed that has whiteout on it in the picture below? It is installed in the picture on the arm of the tension pulley that sticks out to the left.

 

Yes. I have that bolt on there. I know that if I loosen it and push down on arm the belt loosens. So its there. Do I nneed to follow some type of sequence with this bolt while tensioming pro ceedures? Thanks, also when engine running the belt has to be tuurning smoothly, right no wiggling att all? Or would one expect to see some wigglimg?

 

Remove that bolt.

It is only installed temporarily to hold down the tensioner so you can remove the belt. That bolt should not be installed when you put everything back together.

 

The bo lt was there already...makes sense though. I ended up loosenimg bolt and prying up on that arm with screw driver to create more tension. I then retighten the bolt and It did tighten and no more wiggling. Hope it will be ok?

 

It should be ok.

Here is a video on how to install and tension a timing belt on a Civic for future reference.