1994 8v timing belt tension

[Jason977]

I'm afraid I didn't explain myself very well. In steps 31-35, the belt is so short that it is difficult to install. Then with both the idler pulley and tensioning stud are loose, the belt is already "tight" without any spring tension at all. The spring exerts a force to pull the tensioning arm assembly clockwise to take the slack out of the timing belt, but with the assembly assembled loosely, the belt is already tight. Spring or no spring, the tensioning assembly is rotated as far CCW as possible, and the spring tension isn't enough to move it.

I feel like either the belt is slightly short or the idler pulley is slightly large. I've already reassembled, but now I'm thinking I better go back in and check.