Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting adjust timing belt slack on 4cyl

i read in another post this was possible..if so can someone point me in the right direction..?

i have the belt slap problem when the engine is cold.

TIA

there isn't a way to stop the belt slapping unless you remove it or get the revised cover. The tensoner on the timing belt is a one time set, meaning the tension is set on install and then it doesn't change.

I would say if the miles are high enough then change the belt and that will also take care of it.

I am just not sure how good it might be to retension the old belt

  When I had the timing belt replaced on my Mystique, the mechanic who did it found that the idler pulleys had worn bearings.  This, rather than the belt itself, is most likely what was causing my belt-slapping.  I'd bet that the problem is nearly always similar in any Zetec with a slapping timing belt â?? that either the idler pulleys, or the tensioner, need to be replaced.

There is away of adjusting it . with out pictures it it kinda hard to explain. the tensor wheel you will notice the centre is off centre quite abit this is where your adjustment comes from. there is 2 part's to adjusting the tensor. first you have to go to a ford dealer and buy a spring that is used for adjusting the tensor. it attaches to plat behind the wheel, top right corner. there should be a little pin that comes with the spring, the pin screws into the engine just to the right of the tensor. attach the tensor and the spring to the pin. this will take up most slack. tighten up the bolt in the centre but not to tight. you will notice a hole just to the left of the bolt , i can't remember what size of allen key fits it , but when you find the right size put in hole and rotate clockwise , till you get the right tension.when you get it rite . don't let go the key .tighten bolt to torque spec's then take key out . I hope this help's . GOOD LUCK
But like the other guy said if the engine or belt has lot's of miles on it you should replace belt .and then follow the steps. make sure you index the cam wheels and the crank before you take off the belt . so you can be sure they are in the same spot when you took off belt.when you put it back on. Sorry This was so long . Good Luck.
I Just did my belt it had 193,000 kms on it. let me till you , there was awhole lot of slapping going on under my hood.

Originally posted by Contour1:

---

I Just did my belt it had 193,000 kms on it. let me till you , there was awhole lot of slapping going on under my hood.

---

Did you replace your belt, or just do the tension adjustment? Did it take care of the slapping?

thanks to everyone for replying. i forgot to put my car has 49k miles on it. other then the slappy noise it runs really good...