1.8i Xantia cam belt tension

DaveW · Post by **DaveW** » 22 Feb 2010, 23:42

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I'm about to inherit my son's MkII Xantia Forte - 1.8i,16valve - and I will need to fit a new cam belt in the near future.
According to the Haynes BOL, after fitting, the belt tension MUST be checked on a Citroen test apparatus or there will be dire consequences.

I've changed a few belts on Cit. diesels and never encountered anything like this.

Is there a work around for this? How do you check the tension?

Dave.

DaveW · Post by **DaveW** » 01 Mar 2010, 13:24

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BUMP

Does no-one have any suggestions on how to set the tension of a replacement timing belt on the 1.8i engine??

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dave.

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 01 Mar 2010, 15:31

1.8 16v's were recalled for breaking timing belts, the recall involved changing the tensioner from the eccentric roller type to the spring loaded one with the pointer. I dont believe there is any need for a SEEM gauge for this type. I think the recall only affected mk1's so yours should have the new type.

DaveW · Post by **DaveW** » 01 Mar 2010, 16:23

Wheeler,

Thanks for the reply.

That makes life easier!
So, is the tension adjusted the same as on the diesels - i.e. just slacken the tensioner and allow the spring to do its thing then re-tighten?

Dave

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 01 Mar 2010, 17:40

Not quite the same, you slacken the 13mm bolt in the middle & use an allen key to turn the tensioner till the pointer alings with the mark on the tensioner.

Post by **CitroJim** » 01 Mar 2010, 18:01

Much like this on on a later V6 Dave...

The green arrows show the pointer and mark to be aligned...

DaveW · Post by **DaveW** » 01 Mar 2010, 18:34

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That's great, many thanks wheeler and Jim.

The picture explains it well. Just wish I could have a similar view but I will be doing mine with the engine in car .........

Dave.