Replacing Tensioner pulley for timing belt interval 80- 1HDT

[Erwin]

I usually replace the Tensioner pulley on my 80- 1HDT at same time as the timing belt. The belt is now 5 years, so time to replace. But I have only driven 20.000 km since last change, and since the Tensioner pulley has become pretty expensive I wouldn't think it is necessary to change it. I haven't found any interval for it, but since it is a roller bearing and not a rubber product I would think ageing is not a problem.

Any thoughts?

 

[gnob]

i typically live by the "if it aint broke ...."
if your engine is interference it might just be good insurance.
im 14 years into used t-belt idlers myself. @20kish miles. getting a refresh this week.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Regardless of the price of the tensioner, it's one hell of a lot cheaper than any engine repairs after a failure.

These are an interference engine, meaning any failure that changes cam timing means destroyed valves and damage to anything else that comes along for the ride.

Valves
Pistons
Head
Cylinder walls/ block
Crank (bent, or bearing damage)

If you think changing the belt after 20k is warranted, do the tensioner too

 

[mudgudgeon]

If yours uses the exposed spring for the tensioner ( vs hydraulic) replace the $14 spring everytime too.

 

[duece71]

Change it and the water pump too. As said above, much cheaper than engine repairs.

 

[rick_d]

Idiotic to replace the tensioner that often. The springs are often out of spec and should be replaced, but 100,000 miles for the tension pulley should be fine. 20,000 kilometers is nothing. Replacing the belt is most critical.

 

[franklin40]

while i would normally say replace tensioner with every belt change in this case you’re probably ok to leave it for this belt. i’d change it at the next belt change though. 20k isn’t a lot on it but yes the belt should be changed if it’s sat for that long even if low mileage.