Timing Belt Tension

[A//// Guy]

Actually Craig the tension relieves itself after you shut the car off. The tension is adjusted automatically, that is why the manuals say there is no spec for timing belt deflection.

All dsms have a pretty loose timing belt when the car is off. Sure there is excessive play but 1/2 doesnt sound bad. You shouldnt really be able to move it off the gears though, is it really easy to move or does it resist at all?

You will know when the car skips a tooth or to. You will either hear it or the car will not run right. Belts ussually skip on startup.