Can someone explain how the tensioner works?

[bbuckl]

[bbuckl]

ok...its obvious that the tensioner isn't the only thing I cant figure out!

[bbuckl]

[RoyBatty]

As has been explained to some extent previously.
When you reassemble everything leave the tensioner lock bolt loose to allow manual movement of the tensioner pulley.
Align all the cam, crank and idler marks and reinstall the belt. Then manually spin the crankshaft thru a couple full revolutions and watch the tensioner. If you left the lock bolt loose you will notice that as you spin the crank, the spring will work to set the proper tension on the belt. DO NOT reverse your direction or back up the crank to align marks. ONLY go in normal direction. If you back up or reverse, you will see that the tension is lost.
So, once you've made a few full revs and verified that the marks are all correct then you can tighten the tensioner lock bolt.
I usually try to do this as I'm slowly spinning the engine in the normal direction. Done this twice now on my Spider and have had no issues at all.
EDIT:
I did a little more reading and it looks as though there were some earlier engines that did not have the tensioner spring on the pulley. If that is what the OP is dealing with, the Haynes manual I have says to use a spring scale on the hole that would normally take the spring, and to pull a force of 60 lbs just above horizontal and then tighten the lock bolt.
What year is your Spider?

[bbuckl]

Roy,

Its a 79. I have the spring loaded tensioner.

Thanks,
Brian

[wizard124]

Brian, I'm only a few weeks in front of you.


In my case, I had to destroy the cork pan gasket in order to pull the crankshaft seal housing. So, be prepared to replace the pan gasket if you go that route. I also replaced the rear crank seal and housing gasket.

[bbuckl]

Wiz,

I haven't tightened down the oil pan yet, so I should be good. Hopefully the weather gets above freezing someday so I can degrease the motor in my unheated garage without creating a glacier! I have the new seals and gaskets so hopefully they come out easy so I can put everything back together and drive this beast. Its been over a year since have had her on the road.

Brian

[wizard124]

Wiz,

Hopefully the weather gets above freezing someday so I can degrease the motor in my unheated garage without creating a glacier!
Brian

Having just de-greased my block and transmission, I don't know how you can do this in a garage without leaving a lingering mess. Fortunately, weather in my area has allowed my scrubbing to be done on my driveway. I used assorted flat scrapers from putty knife to small flat screwdrivers, brushes including kitchen sink, long bristles parts cleaner, small wire, and firm toothbrushes (if you flame the handle, you can bend it so you can reach into deep spots), Simple Green and lots of water!

Results are worth the effort:


To this:

[bbuckl]

Nice Job! Unfortunately, I am buried under 2 feet of snow right now so I won't be doing anything in my driveway for quite some time! I've been filling my time doing little projects on the car. Its driving me crazy!!

Brian