I am changing my timing belt and I have some questions about it. I went to the Kia site and read the instructions for changing it. All went well. However, when aligning the belt according to instructions I noticed that the marks for the instake and exhaust pullys were stuck near the top of a tooth on the gear. Not on top or in the valley, but near it.

Anyway, aligning the marks up perfectly I used a couple of C clamps to hold them in place while I put the belt on. When I did put the belt on there was loosness between the two pullys. Kia's web site said there should be none just like on the tension side of the belt.

So, do I have to worry about a little loosness or should I think maybe to timing marks were not struck correctly?

Also, I found it a real bear to get the belt on over the tensioner pully. Very tight. Is this normal? I bought the belt at a discount auto store.

Thanks,
Stanley

sjs, I just did this a couple weeks ago, it's still fresh in my mind. First, make sure you loosen the tensioner pulley before you start. It'll make things easier. I had a friend help me with mine, and it still took about 6 tries before everything lined up right, even with 4 hands. The way I made sure my pulleys were all lined up correctly with the belt on was to rotate the engine until the cams completed one full revolution (2 revolutions on the crankshaft). Be sure that you're turning the engine the same way that it usually turns. That should take care of any slack in the belt. Then, double check to see if the marks are lined up on the crank and both cams. If they are, you can put everything back together. If not, remove and reinstall the belt. If you're concerned as to wether or not the belt is the correct one, compare it to the old one. They should be pretty darn close in length, and identical in width. Also, mesh the teeth of the 2 belts together in a small section. If they fit nice, you're good to go. I'm not a professional, but I have spent a lot of time under cars. It takes time and patience to do it right. Go to it! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />