semlin
curmudgeon
So I am adding the new version chain tensioner to my 93 and just realized I don't know how to install it. any tricks? Can anyone enlighten me?
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
cruiserdan said:The new version is a lot less complicated than the early 93 ratchet-type. Dip in in some engine oil to pre-lubricate it and stuff it in the hole.
cruiserdan said:Yes, the tensioner can be replaced. The guide requires the timing cover to be removed which requires the pan to be removed and so-on.
semlin said:don't know about the guide but yes the head can stay on when removing the chain tensioner. you actually remove it before you remove the head and then reinstall it after you reinstall the head.
turbocruiser said:Okay, good to know, but can the head stay on at least?
cruiserdan said:It is very tricky to drive the timing cover off without tearing the front of the head gasket in the process. I got lucky (in retrospect I almost wish it had torn so I would have had to pull the head off and I would now have the new gasket) and drove the cover off without breaking up the gasket.
I would not attempt to pull the timing cover with the cylinder head in place unless you have a back-up plan ready to pull the head if you need to. In addition there is a bit of "chicken and egg" going on here as the engine needs to be lifted off the front mounts to get tthe upper pan off. One usually would lift the engine using the lifting ring that is attached to the head. If you have the engine lifted off the mounts, using the ring, and then you find you need to remove the head you have painted yourself into a bit of a corner.
turbocruiser said:Yikes!![]()
![]()
So I guess the message really really is ... "If it aint broke, dont fix it!"
IdahoDoug said:I'm not following why the front cover would have to come off to replace the chain tensioner. I've been in via the head removal and of course removed and replaced my chain tensioners. Seems to me the process would be:
1 - remove the two nuts holding the current tensioner on.
2 - immerse the new one and install it with a new gasket.
- Total time 2 minutes, 15 seconds if you pause for a sip of coffee -
What am I missing? The tensioner merely uses its spring to press the chain guide against the chain.
DougM
cruiserdan said:No, no.
The GUIDE.
EDIT:
I hit the key a touch too late......
Shaun you could lift the engine by jacking up the crank pulley, which, of course, has to come off to get the timing cover off......I think that if I had to do both I would lift the engine with the head installed and then put blocks between the engine mounts and the frame and set it back down and then remove the head. Rick had to pull his pan after he had the head removed. Perhaps he will chime in with his procedure.
cruiserdan said:The guide pivots on a shoulder bolt that is "way down there" and the only way to reach it is with the timing cover removed.