Hi all,

Have a 1990 Pathfinder, VG30 engine, I believe, on which I've changed
the timing belt about three times now - twice on schedule, and one extra
when I replaced a water pump.

My question is that I'm amazed at how much they seem to stretch.  When
you install a new belt it is quite difficult to get it on because it is
so tight.  The shop manual has this elaborate procedure for setting the
tension pulley, which I always follow.  Later, when you take an old belt
off, though, it has stretched so much that it is just "flapping in the
breeze" so to speak.  Makes me worry that it could jump a tooth.  Even
the time I changed the water pump, and the belt had only a few thousand
miles on it, it was still very loose.

What gives?  Am I just overly worried about nothing?  All the belts have
been in good condition when removed - no signs of any tooth wear, or any
other problems shown in the manual.  The belts are just loose.

Truck runs great.  I want to keep it that way.  Loads of fun to take
off-road in the Sierras.

Frank