QUESTION
Im looking to change the timing belt on my 1986 Lotus Excel
Do I need the tensioner bearing when changing the belt?
K.C. - Molendinar, Queensland
ANSWER
This is a really good question you ask
When routinely changing the timing belt on a 1986 Lotus Excel SE, it is recommend to inspect (and change if necessary) the following components
1) HTD timing belt
2) tensioner bearing
3) camshaft oil seals
4) auxiliary oil seal
5) crankshaft front oil seal
6) crankshaft front timing pulley (from experience these are known to crack through the internal key-way so its wise to check)
With cracking test it is recommended to use magnetic of dye penetrant testing methods
If you remove the timing pulley, make sure the guide washer at the rear of the timing pulley is located correctly when installing
Copyright © 2026 Lotus Marques
Im looking to change the timing belt on my 1986 Lotus Excel
Do I need the tensioner bearing when changing the belt?
K.C. - Molendinar, Queensland
ANSWER
This is a really good question you ask
When routinely changing the timing belt on a 1986 Lotus Excel SE, it is recommend to inspect (and change if necessary) the following components
1) HTD timing belt
2) tensioner bearing
3) camshaft oil seals
4) auxiliary oil seal
5) crankshaft front oil seal
6) crankshaft front timing pulley (from experience these are known to crack through the internal key-way so its wise to check)
With cracking test it is recommended to use magnetic of dye penetrant testing methods
If you remove the timing pulley, make sure the guide washer at the rear of the timing pulley is located correctly when installing
Copyright © 2026 Lotus Marques