Monday morning I decided to change the belts on the Saxo. This was the first engine I’ve ever done that didn’t have auto-tensioning. I was looking forward to trying out my recent Ebay purchase. It was a Boroughs tension gauge which I got with a $30 bid from the USA. It was rated in Newtons rather than Seems but Autodata do a conversion chart. The Autodata disk was also helpful with removal and installation – much more so than Haynes, although neither said it was necessary to raise and lower the engine by three inches each way.
By mid-day I’d got to the stage of rebuilding where I could try an engine start. It started first turn – but what a strange noise – and clouds of exhaust. Clearly it wasn’t right and too late in the day to continue. Next day was a day of rain. This morning it was off with the engine mount and front covers again. Fortunately this engine’s bottom pulley is only held on by four 13mm bolts. Timing pins were once again put in and the belt replaced. Although the pins hold the pump and camshaft in position, the sprockets are free to move within their bolt slots. Finally I got the belt tensioned and to the stage where I could try a start. Bingo – it ran well and with no smoke. For good measure I fitted a new auxiliary belt.
Autodata give the workshop time for a TUD belt change as 2hrs.20mins. I guess mine took around 12hrs
