Change the timing chain tensioner the easy way

[mgold]

Would it make sense to soak the tensioner in fresh motor oil before installing it?

[bmwpower]

Would it make sense to soak the tensioner in fresh motor oil before installing it?

Possibly.  My guess is it will just squeeze out until the oil coming from the engine gets to it.  Not sure how much is compresses upon startup though.

[Asserti]

Would it make sense to soak the tensioner in fresh motor oil before installing it?

It will be more difficult to install it, because the oil wil prevent the tensioner to be pressed in. Because you need to press it in when installing, I wouldn't do it.

You can try to reinstall your old tensioner first, that will still be full of oil and you will note that it'll be hard to press in.

[josephb983]

y

[josephb983]

y

[quinn11m20]

I just changed my tensioner and my car sounded like a deisel for on or about 1 and a half, then it quietened down and I still kind of hear chain rolling. Am I supposed to here the chain?

[quinn11m20]

correction a minute and a half

[E-30Dubbsz]

I just changed my tensioner and my car sounded like a deisel for on or about 1 and a half, then it quietened down and I still kind of hear chain rolling. Am I supposed to here the chain?

yeah, mine did the same thing. I am guessing that my guide rails must be worn. So, I am going to have to look at those. Also drop my oil pan to see if I have pieces in there from it.

[Asserti]

I just changed my tensioner and my car sounded like a deisel for on or about 1 and a half, then it quietened down and I still kind of hear chain rolling. Am I supposed to here the chain?

have you pushed the trotthle to 3000 rpm till it quietened down?

[e30Andym42]

yep had the same problem, used the same method, and am very happy i did so.  after about 15 seconds, i held it at 3500 RPM for...maybe 3 seconds?  not quite sure if it helped, but i only really hear the chain at about 2000 and even then its hardly recognizable, other than that, it's rly not noticeable at all.  THANKS FOR THE TECHNIQUE

[PaulC]

Used this method today except I didn't pry the tensioner. Just used both hands, threaded it in and torqued it down. (the motor and engine bay are partially stripped though) Thanks to the OP for posting this.

[rhogg]

Regarding changing the tensioner - both ways work.  Pushing it in decompressed is not that difficult.  I oiled mine both installing.

Regarding the rails -  I didn't like the noise I was hearing so I changed the tensioner.  Wasn't crazy about the way the timing sprockets looked and had an oil leak so I changed the chain. Figured if I was going to take it apart I might as well have the rails just in case.  The two side rails had virtually no wear, the bottom rail fell apart in my hand, and the upper rail had some wear.

The directions on the link provided above to Bredan Purcel``s page are very good.  I followed them and was surprised at how well and relatively quickly it went.    The engine is still noisy, but quieter and the sewing machine sound has gone.   Plus no oil leaks!!   The car is a 91 318 and has just under 120K miles.

[FL318is]

Ok, new rails and tensioner about 6 mos ago. Everything fine until recently.  When I start tje car there is a ticking/tapping sound which after about a minute goes away.

Could the tensioner be "bad"? Or is it more likely the hydralifters?  Is that what they are called?

[peerless]

Statement retracted. That is all.

[danhx]

I'm about to change my tensioner, but the new one I pulled out of the box popped into two pieces. Not a big deal, but it doesn't seem like it will compress all the way together, the ring about a third of the way down the part that compresses the spring won't allow it to slide all the way in. Is this the way it's supposed to be?