That jingling ain't Santa Claus' reindeer!

[cloudchaser]

After changing all fluids Etc. and putting in new timing and balance belts, I thought I was in for a time of good driving. I had inspected the tensioners - they seemed fine, so I ignored the good advice of others to put in new ones. The good driving lasted 1000km! Even before then, I started hearing a jingling from somewhere around the engine. Not able to trace it, and having a lot of other things to do, I went on my merry way and the jingling got louder. One morning I started it up and the jingling was quite loud, but still not traceable. A loud crash sound came from the engine which promptly lost interest in moving the van. A short tow to the shop and a lot of fiddling with the wrenches got it running again (the timing had somehow slipped! It ran smoothly, but there was a slight occasional jingle. I had not put on the top cover over the timing belts, and used a flashlight to look in at the top of the balance belt, and saw the tensioner pulley jumping around. With everything removed (including the lower belt cover this time!) the timing tensioner pulley looked strange without any balls in the bearing.
I know I was very fortunate. I now know to listen carefully and follow the good advice in this forum.
I have ordered new tensioners, oil seals, water pump, and thermostat at the Mustang Connection near Vernon. If anyone is interested, I'll post part numbers and price when I get the parts.
Ron

[yojimbo]

You were lucky indeed! I have in the past only changed the belts on vehicles, but on the delica its a necessity, they often dont last long once a tight new belt is stressing them!