Hey Want to check the belts on 996 as 2 1/2 years old, would like to get this summer out of them before replacing. Do I really need to remove the spark plugs to rotate the rear wheel? I'm sure I've seen people rotate the rear wheel to move the belts round over winter and i'd doubt the plugs were out. Cheers CR
No, but it makes it easier. Put it in 6th gear and you will be ok. Better still by a crank turning tool.
Can't see what the problem is? You've got to take the fairings off to check the horizontal belt at least and removing the sparkplugs takes all of 30 seconds? Although you can of course turn the engine over in a high gear with the plugs in, it is much easier without, for very little extra effort
No, just lift the tank and seat in one go and prop up with a lump of wood. Rather more than 30 secs though...
Why not? You have more control over turning the engine with the back wheel and if you turn it slowly the tool is more than up to the job.
Iirc, Chris Kelley advises against in case you damage the tabs on the end of the crank. As you are turning it one to one, as opposed to with a fair bit of mechanical advantage with turning the wheel in a high gear, there is presumably a fair bit of force involved with plugs still in.
Of course you should take the plugs out. Otherwise you are relying on over-coming compression; which means that it is harder to ensure everything has stopped rotating in the right place - ie; getting the timing marks lined up and it isn't a good idea rotating backwards to make sure they have line up when you have first overshot the marks because of the compression.
If the centre screw is properly tightened there should be no load on the tabs. I completely agree but he is only checking the condition of the belts which doesn't need anything lined up. Presumably he just wants to see that they are in good condition over all their length. He is being lazy though.
Surely he would check the tension though, Derek? I wouldn't go to all the bother of having a look without doing so.
I would hope so but position isn't critical as long as the belt you are checking has both valves fully closed so there is no tension on the belt.
