Hi all, I'm in the process of stripping my newage EJ20 and have got to the point of removing the cambelt. It's sitting on the bench, all marks lined up, covers off, but I cant see how to release the cambelt tension prior to removal of o/side head, any help gratefully received as i feel a right prat for not seeing the wood for the trees!

 

search youtube theirs a guy on there showing how to change it,might help you.

 

You might want to undo the camshaft pulley bolts (just crack the tension off) before you remove the belt if your removing the heads...

Not sure what tensioner the newage has TBH... can you not take the pressure off with a long bar?

 

as you look at the front of the engine there is a cambelt tensioner on the right hand side next to one of the pulleys it will be obvious if you look at it. Loosen the bolt for this and that will release the tension on the belt. The right hand cams (as looking at it from the front) will move, dont worry about this

 

oh to add if you pm me your email address I can forward you a cambelt guide

 

It's easier to remove one of the idlers to release the tension on the belt.

Mick

 

Bottom left idler - right?

 

Yep

 

email sent

 

remove the tensioner not the idler, you need to remove the tensioner to reset it anyway. Take the cam covers off and put a spanner on the camshaft nut to remove the pulleys or use the proper subaru tool

 

jaytc, many thanks for that, most comprehensive. In that guide it says NOT to let the cams spin as the valves will clash. Is this any cause for concern as they will only touch and no more?