Chain Tensioner

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

IS there anyway to adjust the chain tensioner without taking the front cover off? I'm finally getting close the getting my motor back together, but can't get the camshaft sprocket on because there isn't enough slack in the timing chain to get the sprocket on the camshaft. Any help is greatly appricated.Ryan

[Touchdown038]

Nope, the only way is with the front cover off. You *might* be able to reach it with just the valve cover, but you'd have to have *really* long fingers and know exactly where you're reaching.

If you want to get the sprocket on the cam, tighten it on there without the chain on, then put the chain on afterwards.

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

Well, thats kind of the problem, I can get the sproket on the cam no prob. But theres not enough slack in the chain to get the chain on the sproket afterwards. Have been trying a few diffrent methods but so far no luck. Looks like I may just put everything together, then pull the front cover off to get the chain on. But I guess sometimes ya just have to work that way.Ryan

[DAEDALUS]

Have you tried removing the camshaft bearings? I'm thinking you could remove the bearings and tip the camshaft upward just a little to bring the sprocket just low enough to get the chain on, and then put the bearings back on. Just make sure they go on the exact same way they came off.

[robertwb70]

IS there anyway to adjust the chain tensioner without taking the front cover off? I'm finally getting close the getting my motor back together, but can't get the camshaft sprocket on because there isn't enough slack in the timing chain to get the sprocket on the camshaft. Any help is greatly appricated.Ryan

you should have the chain completely installed (cam+crank+tensioner+guides) BEFORE you put the cover back otherwise the tensioner might pop out of its bore and you deffinetly have to open it back up to fix that-also its a good idea to double check your alignment marks after the chain is on and you cant do that if you cant see the crank pulley

and yes you do have to put the chain on the sprocket first and then instal the gear on the cam-dont try that unbolting the cam bearings thing:eek:

[TheDrumAndTheBass]

Yeah, I pretty much gave in and decided to go ahead and take my front cover off. Now I just need help figureing out how to do this. should I just go ahead and take my whole engine out of the car. Or can I get to it some other way. I'd really like to keep the engine in, but if I have to take it out I guess thats what I gotta do.

[robertwb70]

you can do it in the car -take off the fan shroud that should give plenty of room-get a haynes or chilton manual that will help you out alot-heres a link I found for yahttp://www.240sx.org/links/installs/timing_chain/index.html

[Touchdown038]

It's probably easiest to do it out of the car, but only if the engine is already out anyway! Otherwise it's fine if it's in the car. Here's a hint: as you take stuff off, be sure to put them in little sandwich baggies and label them... I ended up with 3 extra bolts from god knows where when I did mine, runs alright but who knows when a bolt missing might hurt....

[kev91240]

im gonna be doin my chain before too long, is that a horrible project or just time consuming, i dont do much car work, so with the step by step guide on 240sx.org and a chiltons and a dad, u think itll be too hard?

[jrc90240sx]

no, its just time consuming

[Touchdown038]

Yup, it is VERY time-consuming if you've never done it before... I'm gonna have to do mine again soon (after 5 months) and hopefully this time it will go lots faster because I know where every single bolt and everything goes.