Okay, so I have one timing belt cover screw that just spins and spins and spins. So, time for that to be broken I guess... Oh well, got another set waiting in the wings, and I'm thinking about running without them. But, here's my problem.

 

I've checked the belts without the covers off as best I could, and it doesn't seem like either one is broken. I also took the disty off just to see if the gear was all busted, and it looked to be fine.

 

My question is: Is there anything else that could act like broken belts. Possibly a belt slipped off or something???

 

I'm off to get a 22mm socket real quick to remove the crank pulley, so I hope someone replies before then.

 

it's an 85 ea82 wagon

Do you have spark?

You can actually strip teeth off around the crank. It will appear that the belts are good but it won't actually turn the belts. You say you removed the disty to check the gear. Does the disty turn when you turn over the car?

You can actually strip teeth off around the crank. It will appear that the belts are good but it won't actually turn the belts. You say you removed the disty to check the gear. Does the disty turn when you turn over the car?

that's the reason i checked the disty. I figured if something had happened, I'd be able to tell from the disty gear at least. Disty gear appeared to be in fine shape, with nothing wrong.

 

I don't believe the disty turns, which we checked originally. That's the reason timing belt was deduced. I still have to get the crank pulley off to get the timing belts off, so I'm still working on it.

I cant remember if you answered this in your other thread, but did you see if the rotor was loose/spinning on the disty shaft? The set screw might have snapped, and is not turning with the shaft.

The disty gear runs off the back of the drivers side cam shaft. It really wouldn't show anything if the belt broke. Once the pulley is off the answer will be found.

"Okay, so I have one timing belt cover screw that just spins and spins and spins. So, time for that to be broken I guess... Oh well, got another set waiting in the wings, and I'm thinking about running without them. "

 

you might be able to pry out the nut that spins, or break the plastic from the nut to gain access

Sometimes you can reach around with a pik tool and push on the bolt or the nut in the plastic and turn it to get it to pull away while turning. Worked on a Legacy for me once.

okay, I can't get the freakin crank pulley nut loose. any suggestions?? Car is dead, so I can't just hook up the ratchet and go that way...

First, you need to stop the engine from turning when you try to bust the bolt loose....some of us have drilled a hole in the bell housing and use a drift punch or some other such device to slip into one of the holes on the flywheel....best lined up with the three little marks for when you do the belts - there is a hole just off to the right of those marks on the flywheel, as you face the engine bay from the front of the car. just be sure to CAREFULLY mark the location for drilling, and definitely use a center punch to get started.

 

Then get yourself a LONG breaker bar - have been known to use a length of pipe slipped over the handle of a 1/2 drive breaker bar for more leverage. (but then, I am just a weak little female! )

As a side note - give that darn bolt a shot of GOOD penetrating oil before you start setting up to drill your hole - that way it has time to do it's job. We use one called PB Blaster - very good stuff if allowed a little time to work. WD40 wont cut it.

 

Good Luck!!