I am at a bit of an impasse with this timing belt job. I'm supposed to set the engine to #1 firing, TDC, and I'm supposed to get that Crank pulley off (with the 24mm bolt). It's been my intention to get the pulley off and, when I can see the timing marks on the crank sprocket, line everything up then. The belt is very slacked and slipping at the crank sprocket. I'm assuming that the teeth on the belt have been damaged where the sprocket has been rubbing while I troubleshot the problem out(even though the rest of the belt looks fine - as it did when I checked it in the fall), so I have a Goodyear belt all prepped to go on as per forum recommendations. [Unfortunately the only thing being changed today is the belt itself. Tensioner, seals, and harmonic balancer all have to be ordered but car must be moveable from street parking by Wednesday. Another belt will need to be installed then also as their are seal issues]
It is my understanding that the crank pulley with it's 3 belt grooves is what mechanics are calling the harmonic balancer(?) and that there is a rubber inner sleeve which damages easily if the crank pulley is muscled the wrong way. I do not have access to the volvo tool #5284. I was considering using some metal strapping (the kind with the holes) to afix the pulley to the tensioner bolt (since it looks like that's what the tool does(?))... but I am very reluctant as I am of limited means and cannot afford to replace the pulley if I damage it by improper removal. I recently read in forum that someone with a manual transmission used the transmission in 4th with brake pressure to hold the crank in position. I have a crank position sensor so the inspection plate option is a no go. Q#1: Can a similar thing be done with an auto trans (low gear with brake)? Q#2: (a)How does the tensioner function? (b) Do I need to relieve tension before removing the bolt which appears to hold the tensioner? Am I setting the belt tension to 37 ft.lbs. by adjusting the bolt which passes through the tensioner bearing or by some adjustment of the spring mechanism which appears to provide the actual tension?
I was planning, once the pulley and remaining timing cover half are removed, to utilize the crank and cam timing marks to establish #1 firing TDC, then install the new belt as per forum recommendations. I was hoping that I could just use a socket and ratchet to move the crank and cam into proper alignment. Is that how it's done?
Thanks for any and all responses.
Wayne