how to decompress rod tensioner

[Dillon187]

I'm doing the timing on my engine and i need to decompress the rod tensioner while it's on my car. my Haynes manual says to pry the tensioner puller towards the front of my car but I'm worried about damaging something, what do i use to pry the pulley?

 

[kenuwine4g63]

Nope stop....If you dont have the tensioner tool, take the two 12mm bolt out that holds it and compress it with a bench vise or a big c-clamp

 

[luv2rallye]

Or: Timing Belt VFAQ Addition 1

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Nope stop....If you dont have the tensioner tool, take the two 12mm bolt out that holds it and compress it with a bench vise or a big c-clamp

Good advice. If you did not originally put a pin through the tensioner before removing your timing belt, then you will need to compress the rod. Like said above, use a c-clamp or bench vise to SLOWLY (I mean 1/2 on the clamp every 15 seconds or so) compress the rod back down to where the hole on the rod aligns with the hole on the tensioner body. Then stick a pin or something in it to hold it in place.

 

[Dillon187]

i already compressed it and used to allen wrench to hold it and i installed it. but my manual says you have to let it compress by itself by prying the tensioner pulley towards the front of the car

 

[kenuwine4g63]

i already compressed it and used to allen wrench to hold it and i installed it. but my manual says you have to let it compress by itself by prying the tensioner pulley towards the front of the car

OK, this means when you tighten the belt with the tensioner pulley(with the auto tensioner installed with the allen wrench still in it) the more you move the pully counter clockwise the more it will push the tensioner rod down, which will cause the allen wrench to loosen. You want to be able to slide the allen wrench in and out with no resistance. as soon as you get it where you can slide it in and out with no resistance tighten the pulley bolt where it is.(torque it). Rotate the engine 3-6 times and see if you can still move the allen wrench in and out without a problem. if you can remove it, let it sit for about 10min(go in the house take a piss, grab some drink) after that see if you can still slide the allen wrench in and out with ease if you can you are done. BUT, heres the fun part, you have a 2g like I, you will need a buddy to hold that pulley from moving when torquing it down..That sob IS going to move

 

[blcknspo0ln]

The trick to getting the right tension on the rod (whether you have a friend or not) is performing the above operation and then HOLDING the position with the wrenches for 15 seconds before you tighten the 14mm nut on the tensioner pulley. This way you allow the tensioner to adjust itself before applying additional torque from the bolt.