Local Garage is about to do the Cam belt on My 1991 TownAce. The engine is the 2CT. one of his books recommends replacing the Cambelt tensioner spring at the same time? Anyone done this/ not done this.

- (#8971) Martin Walker, 3 Mar 04 03:11

this spring is the "setting" tension device for the tensioner pulley and it's use is to bring the tensioner pulley into the correct position prior to locking the pulley mounting. the spring is not in action an any other time. the engine manual makes no recommendations regarding replacing this spring and, in my opinion, unless a new spring, of the correct length, strength etc, is available, it is hardly worth bothering. is your garage familiar with the 2ct engine or, are they confusing this spring with other types of belt tensioner where the spring is constantly flexing with the whip of the cambelt?


- (#8971) John Davis, 3 Mar 04 06:03

The Garage is not familiar with the 2ct engine. He had a book of parts which recommended replacing the spring ?

- (#8971) Martin Walker, 3 Mar 04 10:18

Not to correct John, but the manual (RM025E) quotes a free length and installed tension, with a recommendation that replacement is advised outside spec...

free length 51.93mm (from the contact point of each hook)
Installed, 4.3kg load at 63mm

- (#8971) david miller, 3 Mar 04 10:36

David is correct and, of course, the spring specification is listed. However, if the garage is unfamiliar with the engine, for less than a tenner the engine manual RMO250E can be obtained from the local Toyota dealership and all the information regarding the belt replacement is well detailed.

- (#8971) John Davis, 3 Mar 04 14:11