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I think I know why my 245 won't start but every time I think I know something, it turns out to be something totally different. So please read below and give me your advice.
I changed the timing belt and tensioner in my 1992 245 (100k) last Saturday and was proud afterwards as she started right up and ran great. Same thing the next day when I ran some errands. But then after sitting a couple of days my wife couldn't get it to start. It would crank fine (the battery is good) but it wouldn't turn over. I checked all the fuses and installed a new fuel pump relay tonight but no go. So I turned the crank pulley to TDC and checked the position of the rotor and not only wasn't it pointing towards the #1 cyclinder, it was pointed towards the front of the car and it wasn't moving as I turned the crank pulley. I assumed that isn't good.
Then I peeked behind the top TB cover and the belt was on the cam pulley but not tight enough. I can't see all the way down but the belt looks like its barely on the intermediate sprocket.
Question 1
How did this happen? I know I had tension on the belt after I installed it. Should I have adjusted the tension again after I drove it a few miles?
Question 2
What should I do now other than have a cold one and get a good night sleep? Is it as easy as taking everything apart again, finding TDC and making sure all the sprocket marks and engine marks align with the engine marks. What about the intermediate sprocket since it seems to turn very easily and is no doubt out of position?
Question 3
If the timing belt is indeed loose and it was skipping over the sprockets, should I replace it with a new one?
Excuse my ignorance but this job intimidated me, especially the part about changing the seals. If I go in again I will do the seals.
Question 4
Is the best way to get the cam and intermediate sprockets off with the timing belt still on acting as a holder or is there a better way to hold them while unfastening the bolt?
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