Timing Belt Tension Adjustment (1990-92)

1. Position timing belt tensioner pulley so that the 2 pin holes in the center eccentric are facing to the left (as viewed from timing belt end of engine) of the center bolt. Hand tighten center bolt.
2. Remove screwdriver from balance shaft hole in side of engine block. Install plug.
3. Rotate crankshaft 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then rotate crankshaft 1/4 clockwise until timing marks are aligned again. No. 1 cylinder should be at TDC of compression stroke.
4. Attach Adapter (MD998767) to tensioner pulley eccentric. Attach torque wrench to adapter and apply 24 INCH lbs. (2.7 N.m) of torque in a clockwise direction. With torque applied to eccentric, tighten tensioner pulley center bolt to 32-40 ft. lbs. (43-55 N.m).
5. Insert Set Screw (MD998738) through inner timing belt cover until it contacts tensioner arm. See Fig 1. Slowly rotate set screw until set pin can be removed. Remove set screw from engine.
6. Rotate crankshaft 6 complete turns clockwise. Wait 15 minutes without turning crankshaft. Measure distance between top of auto tensioner body and tensioner arm. The distance should be .15-.18" (3.8-4.5 mm). See Fig 2, Dimension "A". If distance is not correct, timing belt tension will have to be readjusted. If distance is correct, go to FINAL ASSEMBLY .

Fig 1: Installing Set Screw On Tensioner Pulley

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 2: Measuring Timing Belt Auto Tensioner Protrusion

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.