Generac — Timing Belt Removal, Installation and Adjustment
Adjustments
From a Generac service manual covering: CAC478, CAC480, SQR480. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- With belt removed, do not turn gears excessively or piston head and valve may be damaged by contacting.
- Belt tension adjustment by this method is approximate; check with special tools by a professional as soon as possible.
Procedure
- Rotate crankshaft to No.1 cylinder compression TDC.
- Loosen the 2 tension pulley mounting bolts and push the tension pulley aside with a large screwdriver.
- Tighten the 2 tension pulley mounting bolts to hold the pulley in this position and release belt tension.
- Mark belt rotation direction and reference marks on crankshaft and camshaft gear teeth; remove belt from camshaft gear, water pump gear and crankshaft gear.
- Installation: engage timing belt teeth with crankshaft grooves and pull the belt straight to the right onto cam gear grooves.
- Ensure the two gears do not move; pull belt around tension pulley and engage teeth.
- Loosen the 2 tension pulley mounting bolts, push tension pulley right to the extreme, tighten bolts and loosen crankshaft locking device.
- Rotate crankshaft clockwise two turns until No.1 cylinder reaches TDC of compression.
- Grip the midway of the right side belt between crankshaft gear and camshaft gear; belt should twist 90°.
- Tighten tension pulley mounting bolts to 16—20Nm and recheck tension.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Tension pulley mounting bolts: 16—20Nm
Source: Generac service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.