Rover 200 & 400 Owners Club

Hi guys and gals
Got a 96 cabby with a manual cambelt tensioner (the one with the little spring). What’s the sequence for releasing the tension on the belt for removal? All the videos have the auto tensioner fitted, do I remove the spring and locating stud then loosen the tensioner belt? What type of bolt is it fitted with? Hex type or spline type? Both seem not a good fit and don’t want to destroy it because it would be engine out to get it out
Any help appreciated

If the factory securing bolt is fitted, it should be an Allen key head bolt, 5 or 6mm from memory.

To release the tensioner and remove it, slacken this main bolt, then undo the 8mm adjuster bolt, which will release the tension on the belt. Then undo the main securing bolt the rest of the way, withdrawing the spring and tensioner at the same time.

Thanks for that
I’ve tried an 8mm Allen key but it seems to be a slack fit, like I say don’t want to round it off but I’ll see if I can get a 9mm before I try again with the 8mm. Maybe I should get a new replacement bolt ready for refit

That sounds huge - do you have a picture of the bolt & tensioner you could post?

Will post one later when I’m home thanks