can water destroy a timing belt tensioner?

[1Gina2G]

If you were to leave a timing belt tensioner outside, and it got rained on a few times to where it got rusted from outside, would it still be safe to use? It still has it's strength and no oil leaks, not sure if its okay its rusted, its never used though.

 

[92AWDHX40]

I dont know, for the price of a new one versus a rebuild head, i would just replace it, but it may be ok, your gonna have to decide on this one, 90 bucks versus hundreds in parts and labor. Rust is rust.

 

[rlacasse1]

I doubt it, they are sealed. You could just clean it up and use it. But if you are squeemish about using it then you should just go ahead and replace it.

 

[1Gina2G]

Well I guess I'll just replace it to be sure. Was hoping there was a special tool to test it, I know it's still hard to compress, no way it could move with your finger/hand strength.

 

[97gst_spyder]

Compress it down, if it does not leak then its good.

I'd spray it with WD-40 and let it sit overnight before compressing it also.