Timing Belt Installation Tips

When doing a timing belt job, it can be challenging to prevent the belt from falling off when installing it onto the gears and idlers, especially if you are working on a four-cam engine dual overhead cam. Keeping the cam gears lined up and the belt in the correct location requires a special tool.

I call it a special tool, but it is just a zip tie. I use zip ties to tie the belt to the cam gears. I start at the crank pulley, then work my way around the idler pulley, and when I get to the cam gear.

I use my first zip tie. I then route the belt under the water pump and up over the second cam gear using my second zip tie. I then go across another idler and then end at the tensioner.

Remember to pull the pin. You should always ensure that all the slack in the belt is left at the idler pulley. The belt tensioner will take up any slack left in the belt.

Do not forget to remove the zip ties after you have completed the job.