last owner of my car told me the timing belt was replaced and that it would need to be tightened soon… is that true and how to do it? is this easy?
I’ve never heard of anyone recommending the timing belt be tightened…
Correct if I’m wrong guys, but I believe you loosen the tensioner bearing bolt(which is behind a small round plug in the plastic timing cover); but don’t remove the bolt or the tens. bearing will fall off! Then turn the crankshaft counterclockwise to tighten the belt(remove spark plugs to make it easier to turn). Retighten the tens. bearing bolt. That should be it. I think the Helm’s manual has the correct procedure.
yes that is bascially right. Loosen tensioner bolt, turn crank counterclockwise about 3 teeth (you’ll see the belt tigthen) then retighten the bolt.
Hey Answer,
If the belt is new, then it has to be checked for tightness. You have to compensate for belt-stretch.
Regards,
Oz
Actually, you guys are wrong. The proper way to tension the timing belt is to turn the crank pulley and cam gears to TDC, then turn the cam pulleys 3 teeth counter clockwise. The belt tensioner should be TIGHT at this time. Now, you’ll notice the front of the timing belt will be tight, and the rear will have slack in it. Loosen the tensioner bolt about 1 full turn and it will take up the slack in the rear (intake side) of the belt. Then tighten the tensioner back up. Make sure it’s tight. That’s it.
how long after the belt is replace should this be done? mine was replaced 2 years ago and I never had it done, is this quite urgent?
No, it’s not urgent at all unless your belt is loose. They don’t stretch a lot so you are in no danger, unless they installed your belt loose in the first place. Best of luck.
is there a way to check to see if the belt is loose without dismantling(sp?) the whole engine? i.e. an easy way that would take like 5 minutes? 
Removing the valve cover is the only way. Best of luck.