Hello!

Normally I wouldn't post on something this minor but its driving me crazy! I have a new accessory belt tensioner I'm replacing. To remove it there is a big plastic piece that covers the timing belt and goes under the top timing gear cover on the passenger side of the motor.

I can't get the damn cover to fit on the tensioner. If I put the tensioner on first the case won't fit. If I put the case on first it fits nice but the tensioner won't go.

Anyone have a tip on this? I spent over an hour trying to get the puzzle pieces to fit with little luck!

 

It is very tight. I had to get a little bendy with my cover when I reassembled my '96 after a timing belt change.

My car happens to be in a strange, pristine, shape under the hood. I can see how a car that's seen some weather would have brittle covers that may snap if you try to bend them, though.

 

Thanks for the advice!

I ended up putting the case on first then tightening the adjuster ontop of it, one tab to the immediate right of the tensioner bent out, but the rest of it seems to be ok!

On to the next project, El-Celsior better get back to being reliable again soon, thats why shes around! (not her fault though)