Hi all,
Have a 1990 Pathfinder, VG30 engine, I believe, on which I've changed the timing belt about three times now - twice on schedule, and one extra when I replaced a water pump.
My question is that I'm amazed at how much they seem to stretch. When you install a new belt it is quite difficult to get it on because it is so tight. The shop manual has this elaborate procedure for setting the tension pulley, which I always follow. Later, when you take an old belt off, though, it has stretched so much that it is just "flapping in the breeze" so to speak. Makes me worry that it could jump a tooth. Even the time I changed the water pump, and the belt had only a few thousand miles on it, it was still very loose.
What gives? Am I just overly worried about nothing? All the belts have been in good condition when removed - no signs of any tooth wear, or any other problems shown in the manual. The belts are just loose.
Truck runs great. I want to keep it that way. Loads of fun to take off-road in the Sierras.
Frank