1977 GL1000 t/belts installation

[goldwinger57]

Im using Napa part #250274 timing belts (made by Gates) on my GL1000. Right side belt went on fairly easy and all marks and T mark line up. But the left @%&$% belt is giving me trouble. It's like it's a fraction to short and I have to fight with it to get on the cam sprocket.Could it be a defective belt? I know the belt shouldn't be that hard to get on. And when I manage to get it on the sprocket the marks are either off above the case mark or below the case mark. I've had the belt off half a dozen times trying to get it right on the mark just like the right side, but it just won't line up perfect. The last time I had it on it was just a hair below the case mark(should of been happy with that, maybe trying to be to perfect. Maybe I should get another Napa belt or maybe even get the Honda factory belt and try it. What belts do ya'll recommend?
Here's a few pics:

[Cakey]

Crazy question but have you tried the right belt on the left pulley to see if there is a difference in the belts?

I had a problem installing my left belt because the pulley mark wanted to roll off the case mark all the time similar to the way the right one does but not as bad. I put a ring spanner on the pulley bolt and cable tied the other end of the spanner to frame. The same way it is done in the shop talk section for the right pulley.

I reckon being an interference engine the closer you could get it the better. We don't get those belts in OZ so I can't comment.

Hope you get it sorted.

[Recycled Roadkill]

Octane's walkthru in Shoptalk is an excellent read for instructions on changing timing belts.
Here's the link: http://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3544

[goldwinger57]

These Napa belts just can't be right. Just to hard to get on. I have to fight and struggle (makes my hands sore Is their a trick that Im missing some where. All the how to video's on this site and other GW sites show the belts going on pretty easy and on one the radiator is still on the bike and he as no trouble getting belts on. Getting ready to order the OEM belt #14400-371-04 from Honda. High $$ but I know they will be right and hopefully they will go on easier and all will be good.

[Whiskerfish]

Are you locking down the tensioner in the "retracted" position? Loosen it up then hold it back away from the belt and tighten it back up.

Holding the 1 & 3 side cam while slipping the belt on can be a bit tricky but it should not be that bad.

[robin1731]

Are you locking down the tensioner in the "retracted" position? Loosen it up then hold it back away from the belt and tighten it back up.

Holding the 1 & 3 side cam while slipping the belt on can be a bit tricky but it should not be that bad.

This, chances are the OEM belts are made by the same company that makes the NAPA belts. And the Gates belts. I've done a few. Just did a set a week ago. Do what Whiskerfish said and it goes pretty easy.

[goldwinger57]

Yeah guys both tensioners are tighten down in the slack position. And the belts are still a @#%^ to get on. Im not kidding when I say I have to fight to gets the belts on.

[Scottinaz]

you are one tooth off on the bottom pic. other pics appear to be OK alignment. They can be a bugger to get on and aligned.

[goldwinger57]

I had to remove the right cam pulley when I replaced the right inner timing cover. I know I need a shop manual, but does anyone know the correct torque for the pulley bolt. And should I use any loctite?

[Scottinaz]

It's a small bolt, and no direct stresses on it. Torque sounds about right. Use blue if you decide to loctite.

[Whiskerfish]

I had to remove the right cam pulley when I replaced the right inner timing cover. I know I need a shop manual, but does anyone know the correct torque for the pulley bolt. And should I use any loctite?

http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=41020

[Sidecar Bob]

BTW: You guys do realize that when you talk about the engine the right side is the side that is on your right when you are sitting on the seat regardless of which direction you happen to be looking at it from at the time, don't you?

That means that the LEFT pulley is the shiny one in goldwinger57's pics and the right pulley is the rusty one. (The left belt has to go on first)

[pierce]

Shouldn't be that hard. I did it with a camera in one hand, other hand holding the socket in place against the cam etc.

Here is how I do it.

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[Ramset]

Exchange them for new ones. It's a free option.