the cam will open the valve at the wrong time and possible smash them into the pistons
**** that answer is incorrect.
To the best of my knowledge, the 2.0l engines are "non interference" engines, which means that even if the valves were completely open at the exact opposite wrong time (open when the piston is at the top of it's stroke) the valves will NOT contact the top of the piston.
What makes you think your belt is off that far?
yes
there is a sticker on your strut tower...my 88 is 8 degrees
Front of engine (behind serpentine belt).
if its a 4 cylinder, its located inside the timing case.
You don't- it's controlled by the PCM. If is has a 2.5 engine you cann't adjust the timing
Mine did this and I found out it was the timing belt that needed to be changed.
behind timing cover on front of engine if its a 2.0 ltr ohc
After you have released the tension from the belt, remove the 2 obvious bolts that hold it to the engine block.
On The Crankshaft It Has A Magnet & On The Timing Cover It Has A Pick Up Coil, This Sends The Control Box Under The Coils Information As When To Fire That Coil. The Timing Is Done By The Computer.
if im not mistaken..it is behind the timing cover..it runs off the timing belt You are correct. It is the belt tensioner for your timing belt and a pain to release to release the tension and also not the easiest to replace.
go to autozone.com current vehicle choose car repair info vehicle repair guides it may be in there.
Timing belt replacement is a pretty big job. I'd go to the parts store and pick up a Chilton or Haynes manual.