Timing belt tension

So i installed my new timing belt on my 88accord exi and did as the mitchells instructions told me to push the tensioner towards the belt tighten the tensioner bolt, loosen after i placed the timing cover on, then loosen the tensioner bolt and turn the cranshaft pulley three teeth counterclockwise to put tension on the best and retighten the tensioner bolt. One week later the timing belt came loose and i could hear strange noises coming from the car as if it were a bearing but the belt was loose and damaged.


MY question

1. How much tension is really needed on the timing belt, and how do i do that so that the belt does not undo itself again and make costly damage?

Sounds to me that the tensioner moved and allowed the belt to come loose. Torque on the tensioner bolt should be 31 ft/lbs. Did you use a torque wrench. Actual tension on the belt is not specified but turning counterclockwise 3 teeth should do it.

So what should i do loosen the tensioner bolt and turn back 3 teeth then retighten?


Sounds to me that the tensioner moved and allowed the belt to come loose. Torque on the tensioner bolt should be 31 ft/lbs. Did you use a torque wrench. Actual tension on the belt is not specified but turning counterclockwise 3 teeth should do it.