Replacing VTS cambelt + Tensioner

[rema-d]

ok, im pretty confident, but this will be the first time ive done one.

Just have a couple quick questions about it.

1)Firstly finding TDC. i will want to turn th engine over by hand (on the crank) till it reaches TDC, but how will i know when it is? - is it only then that the locking holes will line up?

2)Once ive got TDC and i lock it in with pins, is there then zero chance of messing up the timing, unless of course a pin came out

3) retensioning up the new belt. IM not going to get the tool citroen use to tension up belts, how do people do it manually? or are you just remmebering how tight the belt was before it came off and getting it roughly the same tension?

[grumpypants]

Hi rema-d
1. TDC is accomplished by removing the timing belt covers and inserting a 10mm bolt or pin through the camshaft pulley to the engine and a 6mm bolt (or even better 6mm pin angled at 90 degrees with about 50mm lengths), this is inserted into the transmission end into the flywheel. This is the only sure way that the TDC is lined correctly. To double check, remove the No 1 spark plug and insert a screwdriver down the spark plug hole, you should be able to feel the top of the piston.
2. Providing the pins are the correct diameter and pins havn't been removed, there is little or no chance that the timing will be thrown out. But once the belt has been fitted and tensioned, rotate the engine by hand about four times and insert the pins back in on every revolution to ensure that the timing is correct.
3. Re-tensioning the belt does not require the special tool. The tensioner can be re-tensioned using a crow bar or suitable length of steel pipe or rod. Ensure that the tension is not too tight, this is acconplished and checked when the belt can be twisted through nearly 90 degrees without too much pressure mid-way at the longest run of the belt ( i.e between the camshaft and the crankshaft and NOT via the tensioner.
Other important facts a) Only turn the engine manually in a clockwise direction ( i.e towards the front of the car) b) Ensure that the timing belt arrows point in a clockwise direction when fitting the belt, and c) Check your waterpump and tensioner for freedom of movement and that the waterpump hasn't any slight weeps.