325e timing belt tensioner

[seatacus]

Where on the internet can I find a tech diagram of the timing belt tensioner for a 1985 325e. Especially how relates to the water pump. My Haynes manual does not show it.
Thanks
Mike
Renton,WA

[wludavid]

It's not on the internet, but the Bentley manual is your best bet. I know it costs ~$35, but it's well worth it. You really shouldn't try to wing this. Getting the timing belt on and tensioned correctly is somewhat finicky.

[seatacus]

wludavid
thanks, but I am not doing the belt. I am doing the water pump and the spring and pin popped out before I could see how they go together. The belt is good.
thanks
mike

[wludavid]

Hmmm. Maybe this will help

The tensioner is part #16

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

The tensioner has a bolt on one side that acts liek a pivot when the bolt is loose. The other side has a boss that a pin fits into with a spring around it. The other end of the pin fits into a slot cast into the water pump. What you do is crank the tensioner down as far as it will got and tighten the pivot bolt. Next, install the belt, then loosen the bolt and the spring will automatically tension the belt. Re-tighten the bolt.

[wludavid]

Originally posted by Jared at Pelican Parts
The tensioner has a bolt on one side that acts liek a pivot when the bolt is loose. The other side has a boss that a pin fits into with a spring around it. The other end of the pin fits into a slot cast into the water pump. What you do is crank the tensioner down as far as it will got and tighten the pivot bolt. Next, install the belt, then loosen the bolt and the spring will automatically tension the belt. Re-tighten the bolt.

I've only done one timing belt change, but I found that method did not work for me. When I loosened the bolt to "automatically" tension the belt, the pressure from the tensioner turned the camshaft gear without turning the crankshaft gear, throwing off my timing. I had to take the belt off and do it again. I wish I could remember exactly what I did...

[seatacus]

Thanks guys, I think I've got it.
Mike
Renton,WA