imported post
Ruaidh wrote:
Additionally, I was looking for a former post that had instructions and pics to replace the belts on an '85 Aspencade that included some comments about securing something inside the engine (?!?) so it wouldn't fall down while the belts were off (I may be completely confused here!) but now I cannot find it. I guess it's time to get Eeyore up on the lift and start pulling things apart. Too bad there aren't any closer "friends" that felt obligated to stop by and tell me which way to turn the wrench.
Sometimes it seems like I am trying to do these things with mittens on or rented fingers...
You can handle this Ruadh, just take your time and be gentle on the parts.
Remove the spark plugs.
Remove the timing inspectionwindow.
Drain the coolant and remove the radiator.
Remove the timing covers.
Turn the crankshaft with a wrench until the T1 mark shows up in the timing window.
Check the alignment of the belts by having the crank at the T1 position, the cam pulleydots aligned with the inner timing covernotches and UP marked on the cam pulleys facing upward. This will show you if the beltsare installed correctly and help you become familiar with the alignment markings.
Once that's done you can start removing the belts;
Remove the lower pulse generator.
Loosen the tensioner pulley bolts.
The left side (as you sit on the bike)cam pulley will remain stationary when you remove the belt. The right side cam pulley will rotate counter clockwise about half a tooth when the belt is removed. Do not turn the crankshaft to match up the marks and make the belt go into place. Turn the cam pulley clockwise to align the marks as you slip the new belt into place, then install the right side belt.
To adjust the belt tension turn the right side cam pulley approximately half a tooth clockwise and allow the tensioner's spring to place tension on the belt then gently push the tensioner into the belt just enough to overcome any stiction at the tensioner plate then tighten the bolt. Adjust the left side belt by gently pushing the tensioner into the belt slightly and tighten the bolt. If the belts are too tight they will make a whining noise when the engine runs.
Now, using a good light and getting your self into a position where you can eye the timing marks, make sure they lign up as they should.
Rotate the engine gently by hand until the T1 mark ligns up again and double check the alignment of the marks. While rotating the engine if you feel any mechanical resistance DO NOT push past it. Turn back and find out where you misaligned the marks, otherwise you'll bend valves requiring cylinder head removal to repair.
If all the marks lign up reinstall the parts you removed and fill the bike up with new coolant and water mix.
When you have the belts off spin the tensioners by hand to check for bearing noise or roughness, replace if bad.
DO NOT crush the new belts together as you could damage them if you allow the radius to become smaller than one inch. The internal cords will actually break and render the belt useless.
Good luck and let us know how it runs after you get her all fixed up.
Vic
