2.3L ('83-'97) Can I split the timing belt and slip on the new one and then remove the last bit?

[ccaissie]

I'm about to change the timing belt on my 2.3 l while it's out of the vehicle.
Somewhere i read of a method to cut the existing timing belt slipt down the middle leaving half of it.
then the new belt is slipped on , and the remnant removed.

this preserves the timing and eliminates all the timing marks etc. Of course recheck is smart...

Anyone ever tried this?

 

[Curious Hound]

Why not just line up all the marks before removing the old one? Then, old off/new on. All done.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd be concerned with getting things off a tooth cause of tension that way.

Side note: Does the 2.3 have any pulleys that will move under their own weight or with the slightest bump when the belt is off?

 

[scotts90ranger]

That would probably work, never tried it but turning to the timing marks especially when the engine is out shouldn't be too hard.