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Old 11-12-2019, 04:55 PM
v8volvo v8volvo is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montana, USA
Vehicle: '86 745, '83 764
Posts: 1,622
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Good idea, definitely best to get the belts squared away early on so that you know they won't cause you trouble.

I believe a 1995 model TIC engine would have the later style and less common revised front timing belt setup, where the water pump is mounted in a fixed position and belt tension is adjusted by a separate, small tensioner roller close to the cam sprocket that exists in addition to the large fixed idler roller near the crankshaft. This late setup is different from the earlier style engines which had no dedicated tensioner roller, only had the one large fixed idler roller and a water pump with slotted mounting holes, which are used to change the pump's position for setting belt tension.

The later setup (if you have it) is an improvement, in part because the tensioner is on the slack side of the belt and thus the belt tension can be adjusted on those late engines without affecting cam and IP timing. One of the downsides of the early setup is that the water pump is on the drive side of the timing belt, and as a result any change in belt tension setting also requires resetting the camshaft and injection pump timing afterwards, since they get changed in the process. It's also easier to set the tension correctly with the tensioner than with the sliding water pump.

However, if you have the later setup then you will need to make sure to get a belt kit that has parts for it, as a parts kit intended for the early style setup will not work at all on the late setup, and vice versa.

Probably first step would be to pull the front belt cover off and inspect what configuration your engine has, unless you already know. Then you will be able to find a kit that matches what you need. Feel free to post a picture here of what you see if you have any doubt as to which it is.

Best belt brands are generally Dayco, Gates, Continental/ContiTech. Water pumps are best from Hepu, Geba, or Laso. Make sure you get a water pump that has the original style large cast type impeller rather than the smaller cheap stamped steel impellers that are on lower quality pumps like the ones sold by GMB. Idler and tensioner rollers are best from INA or SKF, which are both OEM sources. Again, avoid GMB. If you find a complete belt kit, ContiTech kits usually have good parts, as do those from Ruville and Gates. Avoid anything from an unknown brand, cheap seller on ebay, or other questionable source or any price that seems lower than it should be. The timing belt area is one of the most critical places to get the highest quality parts possible and worth spending more for them if necessary.

Don't know what will be most easily available in your area, others from your side of the pond may have more tips on good suppliers and sources.

Good luck, welcome to the forum and let us know how you make out.
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86 745 D24T/ZF 345k lifted 2.5"
83 764 D24T/M46 155k
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