Idler Pulley issue 99 Honda Accord V6 3.0

[Elle]

During a timing belt replacement (yes, I am doing it myself) at 117k miles (1st one prematurely replaced at 55k miles 12 years ago) the new idler pulley will not tighten down straight. The bolt itself can be installed and torqued to 38lbs while being straight but with the pulley it does not. Once I torque it to spec, it is then cattywampus/crooked and is so pressed against the side of the engine that you cannot rotate it at all. I’m now afraid I am missing a piece perhaps? What am I doing wrong?

Thank you in advance! And thank you, Eric, for all your work; my brothers appreciate me not calling them with car questions as much anymore 🙂

Topic

[mckrishes]

Try installing it with the old pulley. If that works out, then there may be a problem with the new pulley. I am assuming you are installing it the correct way.

[Elle]

I should have added that I have reinstalled the old pulley and am getting the same result. I’ve also cleaned out the bolt shaft for contaminants. It’s almost like a washer fell off the back and was lost never to be seen again.

[mckrishes]

Look at number 13. Is that the way you are installing it?

Attachments:

• camshaft-timing-belt-v6-2508140.png

[Elle]

Yes. There’s really only one direction to put it on because of the way the bolt sits inside the pulley.

[mckrishes]

Can you show us a picture of the pulley and bolt and the way you are installing it.

[Author]

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