i had to get a new cam cover since the other one melted and when we were about to put it on i saw a spring that i believe is the tension spring...does the spring attach on the cam cover somewhere or something else cause we dont see like a spot on the cover made for it or something.

 

another thing to ask too....if the spring is stretched just a bit would i need a new one or would it still work???

 

There is a post that looks to be bolted into the block that is left and a pinch up from the pully. I'd say also that a new spring would be a safe idea since this keeps the timing belt in check.





EDITED!!!!

 

Edited bump

 

what could possibly go wrong if the spring is more loose then what it comes brand new???...i know it doesnt look nearly as wound as in that pic but we put it on that post and its still pretty tight.

 

Well mainly it could cause the cam to retard as well as potentially slip teeth if not work at all........ But if it seems to have a decent amount of tenstion you should be fine....

 

The spring is active only for initially setting the tension on the belt. Leave the idler pulley bolt loose and turn the engine BY HAND a few revolutions to seat the belt and let the spring pull it taut.

Before running the engine, the setting must be locked in by tightening the bolt thru the idler pulley. When the bolt is tight the spring can't move, it doesn't even matter if it is still there or not.

Obtain a manual and follow the book exactly on timing belt work as doing it wrong could mean instantly wrecking the valves..