How to Install a Jesel Belt Drive Part 2

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In our last segment we started the installation of a Jesel belt drive. Our example was fitted to a Gen 6 Big Block Chevy, and in that particular case there was some minor trimming of the cylinder block casting for necessary clearance. This time around, we’ll install the valley cover plate for the final time and dig into the prep required for the camshaft install.

The actual timing cover valley plate is easy to install once you have the block clearanced. It’s positioned by way of the cylinder block dowels and then it simply bolts on by way of a set of Allen-head fasteners. A conventional gasket (the same as that used with a timing chain cover) holds it in place.

Camshaft prep is pretty simple. Instead of a top sprocket or gear, it has a top pulley. Jesel incorporates a special camshaft adapter that bolts between the cam and the top pulley. That adapter is designed to operate with a pair of thrust washers (one front and one back of the adapter). In turn, a set of shims is used to position the camshaft front to rear (basically the system allows you to set camshaft end play). We’ll get into the shimming part of the equation down the road. Meanwhile, here’s how the install progresses:

Here’s a look at the belt drive timing valley cover installed on the engine. Jesel supplies a set of Allen head fasteners to secure it. A conventional timing chain cover gasket (along with a thin layer of RTV sealant) is used in the installation. Jesel specifies the cover bolts should be tightened to 96 inch-pounds of torque (8 ft./lb.).

The camshaft pulley adapter is installed next. Jesel recommends you apply a very thin layer of RTV sealant to the recessed area of the cam adapter (note the pointer in the photo).

Next, lubricate the camshaft thrust washer. For this install we used Torco Assembly Lube.

This is what the Jesel pulley adapter looks like installed on the nose of the camshaft.

You can clearly see the thrust washer in this photo.

The pulley adapter is held in place by three Torxs fasteners. Apply a thin coat of RTV sealant to the threads of the fasteners and install on the camshaft.

Jesel recommends a torque figure of 26-28 foot pounds for each of the camshaft adapter fasteners. While not shown here, Jesel does have a special spanner wrench available (part number TOL-39260) to assist in the installation. Basically, the spanner wrench holds the cam in check while you torque the fasteners.

Lubricate the camshaft and install. Once more, we used engine assembly lube on the camshaft bearing journals.

Here’s the camshaft installed within the Jesel drive front cover. Next issue we’ll show you how to set the end clearance (it’s all very straight forward).