Installation (2.0L SOHC)

Install rear crankshaft sprocket and flange onto crankshaft. See Figure. Lubricate and install right silent shaft spacer and sprocket. Ensure chamfered side of spacer is installed into silent shaft seal. If reused, install rear timing belt in original direction of rotation. Ensure timing marks are aligned. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Aligning Rear Timing Belt (2.0L SOHC)
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Install rear timing belt tensioner. Hold tensioner tightly against belt while tightening bolts. Depress belt between sprockets to ensure deflection is .20-28" (5.0-7.1 mm). Adjust as necessary.
Install crankshaft front sprocket. Install oil pump sprocket. Hold left silent shaft using a .31" (8.0 mm) diameter Phillips screwdriver through access hole. See Figure. Ensure screwdriver can be inserted at least 2.36" (59.9 mm).
Remove screwdriver if it cannot be inserted at least 2.36" (59.9 mm), and rotate oil pump sprocket one revolution. Align timing mark. Insert screwdriver, and ensure it can be inserted at least 2.36" (59.9 mm).
DO NOT remove screwdriver until timing belt is installed. Install camshaft sprocket. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (2.0L).
Install front timing belt tensioner, tension spring and spacer(s). Ensure spring is properly engaged against water pump case. Rotate tensioner toward water pump, and temporarily tighten bolts. Ensure timing marks are aligned. See Figure.
If reused, install timing belt in original direction of rotation. Apply pressure on tension side of belt while installing belt on camshaft sprocket. Loosen timing belt tensioner to apply spring pressure to timing belt. Ensure timing marks are still aligned.
To apply tension on belt, rotate crankshaft clockwise until camshaft sprocket timing mark is offset by 2 teeth. Tighten tensioner bolt. Tighten tensioner nut.
To check belt tension, apply slight thumb pressure and measure deflection between camshaft and oil pump sprocket. See Figure. Belt deflection should be .55" (14.0 mm). To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.