What's The Trick I'm Missing on *&#$* Spring?

[bugbor]

Just replaced the water pump on my stock '90 5-speed, and since I was in there I'm installing a new timing belt and tensioner. Did the reverse operation (belt, and since I was in there, water pump) in June of '05. At that time I remember battling the spring when I hooked up the tensioner. Kept plugging away with a small screwdriver 'til I finally got it hooked on the little nub with the grove, but couldn't remember which way I had my eyes crossed and if I'd stuck my tounge out the left or right side of my mouth while whistling "Battle Hymn of the Republic" backwards in the key of G. That time I had the car pointing North, this time it's facing South. Other than turning the car back to the North, what do I need to do to hook up the danged thing?

[ejp2fast]

been awhile since i did that.. and didn't mess with the spring.

[jglutz]

First off...next time...before the t-belt comes off...slide the idle pulley out of the way and re-tighten the bolt so that the spring does not come off...remove and re-install the belt...loosen the bolt and allow the pully to slide back into place...tighten the bolt. The spring is there for this exact process.

If the spring is off now...take the t-blet off...take the bolt out off the connect the spring at both ends with the idle pully hanging there... install the bolt...slide the pully back...tighten the bolt...install the belt...loosen the bolt...allow the pully yo slide in place...tighten the bolt.

[FestYboy]

bingo!

[geezerstiva]

OHH... i feel stupid! i've taken the timing belt off my cars at least 4 times and never thought to do that! that makes alot more sense. guess it'll be easier next time! :lol:

[JoDan]

OHH... i feel stupid! i've taken the timing belt off my cars at least 4 times and never thought to do that! that makes alot more sense. guess it'll be easier next time! :lol:

I know how you feel... just did the water pump/timing belt on my car last month and didn't think of this... its a pain getting that spring back on

[bugbor]

Thanks! Guess if I'd used my brain a little bit I could have figured that out myself. DOH! Been spoiled by my '65 F100. Since I have to drain the system anyway, I just pull the radiator hoses and the 4 bolts and yank the radiator. Climb over the grill and stand right there to pull the pump. Even doing the timing chain/crank and cam gears on an FE are a piece of cake with all the room in the truck.
Joe, thanks again. I was starting to think that the easiest way next time was to just pull the Festy's engine and do the change where I have more room. lol
I've been thinking about swapping an Asfire engine into my parts Festy and I'll be sure to put in new pump & belt while the motor's out and everyting's accessible. I really should get that car on the road.
BTW, I found nothing with a search as to whether the ignition switch/steering lock from the Asfire will fit a '93 Festiva. Previous oner drilled out the Festy switch/lock. I'd also like to use the Aspy radiator in the '93.
Any thoughts, anybody? Anything else I should grab from the engine compartment of the Aspire?

[CharlieZ]

Working on my 92 - posted elsewhere - I found the spring was broken. During my messing with the timing, loosening the belt to move it a tooth here or there, I just used a short piece of 2X2 wood between the alternator and the idler pulley. Forcing the alternator toward the engine puts pressure on the idler which puts pressure on the timing belt. While holding the pressure, tighten the bolt. Maybe not the best way but it is a work-around until install a new belt, idler and spring.

[geezerstiva]

hey, the spring on my dads car broke and went through the belt making a noise like valves dropping through pistons... that was scary!! we did the same thing you did, and its still running like that, 2 years later. doesnt seem to hurt it any.