### Timing Belt, Sprockets, Tensioner and Front Cover

#### ADJUSTMENT

##### 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) Engines

###### If Auto-Tensioner Was Removed

1. Prepare the automatic tensioner for installation:
   1. Remove the bolt holding the tensioner position.
   2. Use a vise to adjust the gap between the tensioner arm and pusher body to 0.160 in. (4mm).
   3. Install the bolt again to hold the arm in position. Do not try to use the bolt to adjust the gap or the threads will be damaged.

      Fig. 1: Measuring clearance of the automatic tensioner — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines

      Fig. 2: Fabrication of the steel plate — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines

      Fig. 3: Belt deflection measurement points — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines

2. Install the automatic tensioner, push it towards the belt to just take up the slack, then tighten bolts finger tight.
3. Before adjusting timing belt tension, the slack must be properly distributed:
   1. Turn the crankshaft 10 degrees clockwise and tighten the tensioner bolts and nut to 12–15 ft. lbs. (16–21 Nm). Do not push the automatic tensioner hard or the belt will be adjusted too tight.
   2. Turn the crankshaft 120 degrees counterclockwise.
   3. Loosen the tensioner bolts and nut 1⁄2 turn and move the tensioner body away from the timing belt as far as it will move.
   4. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to TDC again.
   5. Push the tensioner against the belt with a force of 13 lbs. (59 N) using a spring scale or similar tool and tighten the bolts again to 12–15 ft. lbs. (16–21 Nm). The pressure specification is important and a special spring scale tool, J–38387, is available to measure the tensioner force.

###### With Auto-Tensioner Installed

1. To check timing belt tension:
   1. Turn the crankshaft 120 degrees clockwise, then turn counterclockwise and return to TDC.
   2. Prepare a steel plate that is about 3⁄8 in. (10mm) wide and longer than the width of the belt.
   3. Set the plate on the timing belt between two camshaft sprockets and push against the plate with a force of 11 lbs. (49 N). Note the belt deflection.
   4. Repeat the procedure between the other camshaft sprockets and between the exhaust sprockets and idler/tensioner pulleys. There will be a total of four measurements.
   5. Add the deflection measurements and divide by 4. The average deflection must be 0.240–0.280 in. (6–7mm). If belt tension is not correct, start the entire adjustment procedure again.
2. Confirm the automatic tensioner mounting nuts are torqued to 12–15 ft. lbs. (16–21 Nm) and remove the automatic tensioner stopper bolt.
3. After 5 minutes, measure the clearance between the tensioner arm and the pusher. It should be 0.138–0.205 in. (3.5–5.2mm).
4. Make sure all the sprocket timing marks are correctly aligned. Install the timing belt covers and torque the bolts to 24–38 inch lbs. (3–5 Nm).

   Fig. 4: Timing belt alignment on sprockets — 3.0L (VG30DE and VG30DETT) engines