Am trying to tighten up (sounds like a song??) the A/C belt on the infamous B23 split pulley system. As per BB advice, I took off the entire pulley from the crank (used an air impact gun...WOW!). The previous mechanic (could have been Moi)had installed the crankshaft sprocket with the FLAT side of the inner guide to the outside (exactly like the photo on page 57 of the Haynes Volvo 740 &760 book) . The TAPERED side of the inner guide was to the inside, next to the crank itself. This is the gear that drives the timing belt plus the A/C, alternator,H2O pump pulley. I have reversed the installation and now have the tapered side out. I figure to help guide the inner portion of the pulley boss into position.
Which is correct..the tapered side OUT or IN?
This system is a PITA, but the B23 is SO strong.
gracias,
el Raidman

Actually it isn't necessary to remove the crank bolt to do this job on a B23. You remove the bolts and nuts holding the two halves of the split pulley together, take out a shim (keep the shim by placing it under those bolts and nuts on the outside of the outer pulley half), and then bolting the pulley back together. I left the two halves of the pulley loose enough to get the belt back on. Then I gradually tightened the bolts and nuts, turning the crank 180 degrees each time. This walks the belt up into its final position.

I'm not sure from your description of the timing belt guide washers just what position they are in. A simple way to look at it is this. These tapered guides are meant to move the belt back to center if it starts to move sideways. Think of these guides as the sides of a v-belt pulley. The taper should slant away from the timing belt on each side. If they are reversed, the guides will cut into the belt and the belt will be frayed and will fail soon.

Thanks for the info, Jim. I pulled off the grear from the front of the crankshaft with a home made "puller" and ViceGrips. Re-installed it correctly (I hope I did not get the timing belt off by a tooth..will know tomorrow when I fire her up).
I have now found that if one uses a little AntiSieze the pulley slips right in.
I replaced the timing belt guards just as you suggested, they were not the problem. It was the gear right behind the guards where the timing belt gets driven.
laterz,
El Raidman