1986 911

[Wilbo]

Well, I'm getting ready to try my first valve adjustment on a newly purchased car. As I turn the nut on the fan clockwise, it turns way too easy and when I remove the distributor cap the rotor also does not turn/ move when I rotates the fan nut???? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch, but I want to do some basic maintenance on my car

[javadog]

Push hard on the side of the fan belt to take some slack out of it when turning the nut.

JR

[SOAZ]

Originally Posted by Wilbo

Well, I'm getting ready to try my first valve adjustment on a newly purchased car. As I turn the nut on the fan clockwise, it turns way too easy and when I remove the distributor cap the rotor also does not turn/ move when I rotates the fan nut???? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch, but I want to do some basic maintenance on my car

Just did this on my 88 for the first time. It turns out the belt was a bit loose so I pulled the nut and moved a shim to the front side of the nut. That added some tension and then it would turn the motor over. (you can also put your hand on the belt to take up some of the slack as Javadog mentioned)

If the belt is slipping nothing will happen. Each compression stroke may take a bit of effort, not a lot, but the fan may slip a bit on those points as you rotate the engine.

It's easy to pass the 120' mark on accident as the engine free wheels after the compression stroke. No biggie, just rotate it all the way through again. I'm sure you've read it, but DONT GO BACKWARDS.

[ganun]

There should be 1/2" of give when you push on the belt.

[OsoMoore]

My belt is probably slightly mis-adjusted - I've always had to turn the engine shaft itself. The fan always slips if I turn it directly.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by OsoMoore

My belt is probably slightly mis-adjusted - I've always had to turn the engine shaft itself. The fan always slips if I turn it directly.

That's not necessarily true. It takes less friction for the engine to turn the fan, than for the fan to turn the engine. You don't want the belt too tight.

JR

[Wilbo]

Thanks all. I actually put 3 shims on the inside and 3 on the outside?? It then tirned more difficulty, and the rotor also turned, unlike before??? Do you think the 3 and 3 is ok, or is it too tight. Sorry for the many questions, but of course I want to get it right and not screw something up. Thanks again

[mo-mon]

Originally Posted by Wilbo

Thanks all. I actually put 3 shims on the inside and 3 on the outside?? It then tirned more difficulty, and the rotor also turned, unlike before??? Do you think the 3 and 3 is ok, or is it too tight. Sorry for the many questions, but of course I want to get it right and not screw something up. Thanks again

No problem. We were all newbies once.

No one can answer that correctly. Is it a new belt? Conti or Porsche belt?

You determine tightness by the play- there should be around 1/4" play.

Buy the Bentley book.

[Wilbo]

Thanks. It's not new, but it's a porsche belt. I will check the play. Thanks for your reply

[DRACO A5OG]

If new Porsche, it would be 3 in 3out to start then adjust as needed. Do not over tighten or you can damage the alternator/fan, fan housing or worse the cam shaft. Ask me how I know.

[Wilbo]

Thanks Draco. Well when I first started to adjust the fan belt there was only one spacer on the outside. The fan turned, but it wasn't tight enough to turn the rotor. So I put 3 on the ins, and 3 on the outside. Now the rotor moves. I don't think the belt is new. I was thinking maybe I will do the valve adjustment first, and then maybe put 4 on the inside and 2 on the outside don't want any problems like I assume you encountered? What are your thoughts??? Thanks for your reply