After a gaskets, radiator, water pump, etc,
my 94 3.0 starts and runs great
Except 1 thing.
the timing belt has moved forward about 1/4 inch or more ,
It won’t stay centered causing it to rub on the dust guard.
what could be causing this?


What is causing this timing belt to move forward like this?

I see no adjustability in anything there.

 

HI:
Looking at the photo, I can see that the sprockets for the belt are not mounted in the opposite configuration as they should be.
Both sprockets have the flange facing inward.(rear of engine)
One of the sprockets should be mounted with the flange facing outward.. (toward front of engine)
This will keep the belt from riding off the edge of the unflanged sprocket during operation.
The opposing flanges will contain the belt where it should be.
If the engine is continued to run in the current configuration, the sharp unflanged edges will shred the belt longitudinly, and a messy failure will shortly occur.
You've got a few hours of fun work ahead of you.
Good Luck
Art
It appears that some belt damage has already started to occur, judging from the line in the rubber.
I would replace it if it were me.
Just sayin.
I don't think it really matters which sprocket flange is facing front, but most of the ones I have seen, it was the one on the driver side.

 

Zartt is correct. Here's the manual page: http://web.archive.org/web/201204051...67timingbe.pdf As I read it, the left pulley is flange-out.

And to my eye, that belt is toast. Don't reuse it. (I'm not sure how having the pulley installed incorrectly alone would cause that damage; look around for what contacted the belt!)

 

Thank you fellas.
makes complete sense now.
fell like a dumb dumb but hey, it happens.
thinking two hard.
thank you again

 

Don't feel bad. Why would two identical parts be installed in opposite directions? Well, because.

What have you learned? Take lots of pictures as you disassemble. Even more importantly, take notes. No photograph would tell you that the bolts holding the water pump are different lengths, but your notes would. (For instance.)

 

Absolutely!
fthanks again and may the force be with you

 

Actually, putting the two pulleys on facing opposite directions is a good way to keep the belt from slipping forward OR back, and/or riding on the edge of a pulley.

Doesn't seem to make sense, at first, but it's a good way to accomplish a necessary task, without getting fancy with the engineering.

Have fun, all!
Pat☺