The PO of my new old Samurai replaced the timing belt.  When I checked his work I noticed the tension spring was missing and the adjustment was at its most advanced position.  The tension doesn't seem to be overly tight. 
1. where can I get a spring and which bolt does it attach to?
2. why is the tension adjustment at it furthest with a new belt?  Is there another adjustment I am not considering?
3. The inner cover seems to be very loose.  I believe the rubber grommets around the bolts are missing.  Does this matter and if so, how do I fix it?

Thanks for helping a newbie,
Brock

1. h'ware store - see diagram
2.dunno -see diagram
3.just bolts should work, or new cover if you like <$20

diagram is tracker; but similar

There are no rubber grommets areond the bolts - just a little metal sleeve so that you don't break the plastic cover when you torque the bolt down.

#2 has a tang that fits into the back of the tensioner.

The FSM says that the tensioner only uses the tension of that spring for belt tension during assembly and then the bolt clamps the tensioner into position for the rest of it's life, the spring is not continually applying pressure and can be removed after the tensioner bolt has been tightened.

Loose timing cover is usually a result of incorrect length bolts being used.

There should also be a rubber gasket that fits in the groove around the inside of the timing cover. I just purchased a new cover for my new engine and it didn't come with one so I used a long piece of very small vacume hose. Worked great and cheap too. Seals out the crud as well as tightens up the fit.

Now thats a great tip!

Could possibly be the wrong belt.  If the tensioner is at it's furthest "back" posistion, could be a shorter belt.  Which would explain why the PO didn't install spring.  If you have the belt off, I would take it to your local parts store and see if it measures the same as what they list for it. 

Could possibly be the wrong belt.  If the tensioner is at it's furthest "back" posistion, could be a shorter belt.  Which would explain why the PO didn't install spring.  If you have the belt off, I would take it to your local parts store and see if it measures the same as what they list for it. 

It is supposedly a new belt but it the tensioner is the furthest away from the water pump, as if the belt has stretched.  There is very little room for the spring.

I was thinking you meant the belt was to short.  I didn't notice where why tensioner was at its final adjustment but if the spring will NOT fit on, might want to check belt number (if still visible)!  Did it run ok with this belt installed?

I was thinking you meant the belt was to short.  I didn't notice where why tensioner was at its final adjustment but if the spring will NOT fit on, might want to check belt number (if still visible)!  Did it run ok with this belt installed?

It ran like crap for a variety of reasons.  I'll check belt number.

Timing belts shouldn't stretch.  Otherwise, it would throw off the crank to cam timing.  So I am guessing the belt is not stretched.
I doubt it is the wrong belt either. 
I would say the issue is (if there actually is an issue), is that the little tab in the tensioner isn't in the hole on the backside of the tensioner pulley.

Timing belts shouldn't stretch.  Otherwise, it would throw off the crank to cam timing.  So I am guessing the belt is not stretched.
I doubt it is the wrong belt either. 
I would say the issue is (if there actually is an issue), is that the little tab in the tensioner isn't in the hole on the backside of the tensioner pulley.

Interesting...  I will let you know as soon as I pull it apart to repair the inner cover.

I almost hate to admit this but I had one of those springs break inside the cover and fall down and chew up a timing belt once so I take it off after I get it right. I know another enjine builder that doesn't use it and tightens it up by feel. I think the most important part is just not to over tighten and put to.much strain on the bearing on the tensioner pulley which as Skyranger says is probably not installed properly.