can i still use timing belt tensioner

[nitrokid]

need some info, just lost my job so money is tight i just spent most of my money on a head gasket, timing belt, and a timing belt pulley kit. i need to know if it would hurt to re-use a tensioner with 60,000 miles on it until i can get another one. i probably want put but maybe 5000 miles on it until i get a new one. thanks.

 

[Locke]

While it is inadvisable to reuse an old hydraulic tensioner, if it is in good repair, it may be reused. (Temporarily)

To check:
Remove it, let it extend to its relaxed position, clean it at the top and bottom with brake parts cleaner, and wait for it to dry completely. Then, with something of the sorts of a 16" pair of channel locks, attempt to compress the tensioner by hand. If you can compress it by hand in any quick manner, (less than a minute or two of vein-busting, ligament-tearing, crap-your-pants squeezing) it is trash and shouldn't be reused.

Once compressed, inspect around the top where the piston shaft protrudes from the body and around the plug at the bottom. If there is the slightest bit of wetness found, it is junk and should not be reused.



People are lazy, even myself. If you do this, you may be tempted to not replace it later, or just lack the initiative. It would, in my opinion, be in your best interest to hold off until you can acquire a new tensioner.

 

[nitrokid]

cool thanks

 

[adamzty]

Get the mechanical tensioner from partsdinosaur.com

 

[snowborder714]

How comparable are the N/T and turbo tensioners? I know with the turbo ones, it's recommended to compress the pin using a bench vise. You do this very slowly - turn handle 1/4 turn, wait 20 seconds, repeat, with no sudden jerks to possibly blow the seal.

 

[bullettdsm]

How comparable are the N/T and turbo tensioners? .

Same concept. I compress them the same

MB

 

[nitrokid]

yea i think im just going to wait amnd get a new one

 

[broads72]

Good call.