The correct position of the timing belt tensioner

AHMED_RHAB62

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET OPTRA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
180,000 MILES

I would like to know the proper position of the timing belt tensioner. Should it be down or away up or free to move up and down as the engine rotates?

Sunday, September 15th, 2019 AT 1:32 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,512 POSTS

Hello,

We show the tensioner as a straight on device. Below what they show. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 2:43 PM

AHMED_RHAB62

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Hi
Thank you for your response this is the photo of the tensioner. My issue is this part of the tensioner indicated by the pen. What position should that part be in when making the final timing belt tightening as you know it has marks on the main body of the tensioner what do they indicate?

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Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 AT 11:44 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,512 POSTS

These marks indicate where the tensioner should be when installed (about).

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Friday, September 20th, 2019 AT 9:39 AM

AHMED_RHAB62

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thank you Ken. But should the indicated part be away up at the upper end mark? The mechanic let it away down which makes me think it is the cause of my car sputtering (air coming out of the exhaust). Do I need to readjust the timing belt ie tight the belt via the water pump until the indicated part is aligned with the mark on the tensioner?

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Saturday, September 21st, 2019 AT 11:51 AM

KEN L