Getting my 1981 GL1100 Interstate safetied today so in theory I will be able to drive it next week. Over the weekend I'd like to change the timing belts. I ordered 2 Gates belts from eBay and they arrived yesterday. I have reviewed the timing belt change proceedure and I'm good with how to do it but I have a couple of questions. First I see some people talk about doing the job without removing the rad. It does look like it's possible but I'm wondering if it's not just as easy to pull the rad and have full access? With the rad in place I'm wondering if you can see the center shaft well enough to get it lined up properly? Is it a pain to take the rad out and does the rad and fan come out in one piece?
Second - I see that the belt tension is established by the spring attached to the pullies. It looks like after the tension is set by the spring the pully is bolted in place. I'm wondering how accurate this will be considering the springs are probably 30 years old. Does everyone go with the spring tension or do you add a bit? I also have a force tool which I could use to press down on the belt to a known force. The tool's range is from 0 to 10 Kg's. I was going to measure my old belts pully tension before I removed them. Any comments or tips would be appreciated. Thanks.
Second - I see that the belt tension is established by the spring attached to the pullies. It looks like after the tension is set by the spring the pully is bolted in place. I'm wondering how accurate this will be considering the springs are probably 30 years old. Does everyone go with the spring tension or do you add a bit? I also have a force tool which I could use to press down on the belt to a known force. The tool's range is from 0 to 10 Kg's. I was going to measure my old belts pully tension before I removed them. Any comments or tips would be appreciated. Thanks.