Timing Belt Tensioner Question...

Hey all. Just bought a 2001 Tundra Limited 4WD with 80k original miles and... a never changed timing belt. Not wanting to play with fire, I started into it yesterday and have a question the search bar doesn't seem to be helping with.

Everything came apart and is going together fine. Belt went on, marks lined up etc. When I pulled the pin on the tensioner (new Aisin part) nothing really seemed to happen. The pin came out, but I guess I was expecting like a thunk sound and the belt to suddenly seem tighter. The belt is on and tight to probably a similar level to a serpentine belt (I can move it maybe a quarter inch by pressing on it). Multiple rotations and the marks continue to line up.

I'm assuming this is fine, I'm just worried there's a chance I got a bad tensioner. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

I don't have any info on the tensioner but I am curious of what the old belt looked like after that many years.

 

I hate to say it... But brand friggen new. No cracks, worn teeth, dryness, nothing. Zero seepage around the water pump. Pulleys all spun great. Not that it would have given me the peace of mind, but pretty sure it'd all have gone a whole lot longer. I understand the reasoning, but man does it feel wrong cracking the seal on a perfectly good, not leaking water pump!

 

It should feel similar to a serp belt. When you pulled the pin did it expand to where you can no longer slip the belt off (or put the pin back in)?

If yes, then its fine if you've rotated 2 or more times and the marks still line up correct.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Heh. Our trucks are twins from another year, and close to same mileage, and definitely about the same paint condition.

Check the link in my signature for what you can do with a little time and the right tools. Paint is single stage, just needs a good polish to cut that oxidation off the top.

That said, curious to hear the answer to Assassin's question.

 

Pin would not go back in. Did like 6 rotations and everything kept lining up. Just buttoned it up and everything is great! Thanks for the help all.

And yes, once the weather gets nice there's a fair bit of polishing and waxing in my future! The paint is in solid shape, just very oxidized. Should look great with a bit of work.