Hey...I'm right in the middle of installing a new upper timing chain. But before I slap the sucker on, I wanted to know if the wear on my timing chain tensioner seemed normal. The tensioner itself seems to work fine--it's pretty firm to press in, but it goes all the way in and all the way out w/o hesitation. However, the part that the chain rides on, which appears to be a rubber shoe, seems to be somewhat worn...(see pic)
http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2157_IMG.JPG
It seems like this rubber shoe can be replaced w/o replacing the whole tensioner---does anyone know if this is true?
http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2159_IMG.JPG
And now...the chain itself seemed to be quite slack when I inspected it... (note, in the pic, the tensioner is off, but the chain was still almost as slack w/ the tensioner in place). Now obviously the chain would tighten up a bit once the engine is moving...but does this look TOO slack? ...i'm trying to see if I SHOULD replace the tensioner or not--it seems to work fine and be in good shape.(see pic)
http://www.eniety.com/pichost/pic/121-2161_IMG.JPG
I'd appreciate some insights asap--I wanna get this thing done tomorrow and say good bye to that damn rattling sound forever!
Thanks...
Upper timing chain tensioner--is this normal?!?
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quiksilvia
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quiksilvia
- Posts: 3197
- Joined: Mon Jan 06, 2003 7:09 am
- Car: 95 s14 se
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It's not a guide, it's a tensioner. There's a big difference. I'm not so sure if it is wasted--the rubber shoe is quite thick, and the grooves in it account for probably 1/15 of the total thickness of the shoe. Any other opinions?
I think I'll replace it if any of the dealers around me have it, otherwise, I don't think it's worth it. As I said, the actual tensioner functions as it should; the rubber shoe's just a bit worn. I can always replace it down the road too, not that big a deal.
I think I'll replace it if any of the dealers around me have it, otherwise, I don't think it's worth it. As I said, the actual tensioner functions as it should; the rubber shoe's just a bit worn. I can always replace it down the road too, not that big a deal.