Timing belt - does this look right?

[PDX-944]

So i am new to the t-belt thing.
in the picture, the pulley i labeled is doing nothing. i can grab it and spin it freely. is that normal? looks like this is the balance shaft belt idler pulley according to a diagram i found.
at that same point on the belt i can grab it and twist about 3/4 of the way around, im guessing thats too loose? i can search to figure out how to tighten it, thats no problem, but i just wanna make sure first.
TIA!
edit - the label should come up in a sec. its the pulley with the nut on the front just NW of the center of the pic.

[bordin34]

There should be about a credit cards distance between the belt and that pulley.

[PDX-944]

okay perfect. what does it do? is there a certain point when it makes contact?

[FransB85]

it stops the belt from flopping too much under load changes. Balance belt should be a little loose, something like 140-180 degrees between thum and index on the long end. rotate the engine a couple of times and re-check.

[Rasta Monsta]

270 degrees is correct for b.s. belt.

[PDX-944]

good to hear! sounds like its about right then. im no pro at checking timing belts, but you can see in the pic (as well as i could see also) there was no cracking. its got 15k and 4 years on it.
safe to wait another year?

[FransB85]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

270 degrees is correct for b.s. belt.

hmm then I should loosen mine a bit maybe, doesn't whine too much though... Need to re-check tensions anyway it's been about 3000 miles since I put on the new ones

[bordin34]

I had mine at 225* and it was too loose and hitting the water pump pulley. Now its at 180* and makes noise but doesn't hit.
You also cant visibly tell the timing belt condition until it is pretty much too late. If you are having doubts, replace it.

[nynor]

Originally Posted by PDX-944

good to hear! sounds like its about right then. im no pro at checking timing belts, but you can see in the pic (as well as i could see also) there was no cracking. its got 15k and 4 years on it.
safe to wait another year?

how lucky do you feel? IIRC, three years or 30K miles, whichever comes first.

[Gawernator]

Four years? Replace it.

[Dr944S2]

Hi,

the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1P0n1DXMto

should give you some answers.

Regards,

Jürgen