hydraulic tensioner

[sean144]

My cousin and I just started to replace a bad water pump on my 1997 GS-T and realized how much more there was to it. As of right now we have all the covers off the timing system and several pulleys off. We were getting ready to take the water pump out when we realized that we had to take out the hydraulic tensioner and he mentioned that it should be compressed very shortly after taking out. We were not able to compress it for about one hour until he got home. Is that amount of time lapse ok? Or should we just go ahead and get a new one?

 

[snowborder714]

You should be fine. I haven't heard of a time limit on compressing it. Just don't compress it too fast or you could blow the seal.

Make sure to inspect all of the other timing belt components, especially if you don't know when they were last replaced.

 

[luv2rallye]

Yes when you compress it to put the holding pin in (eg. 1/16” allen wrench), compress it VERY, VERY, VERY slowly (like steps of: 1/2 turn of vise handle, then wait 20 seconds for it to settle, repeat) or you will damage the seals.

Other TB tensioning tips: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...5-timing-belt-tensioning-tips-4g63-turbo.html

 

[tsiAWD91x]

he's saying it's not good to have the tensionsr fulley expanded for a long period of time. they were designed to be tentioned on the car and not extended out.

 

[snowborder714]

I understood what he was asking and I've had mine untensioned for a good amount of time (I don't think an hour though). But I have never heard anyone state that "If you tensioner isn't compressed after X minutes, it is bad."

 

[DyNamiC]

Last time we did a timing belt on my car we had to stop and wait until the next day. We left the tensioner uncompressed all night and 8,000 miles later everything is still fine.

 

[rush2252]

+3 Ive worked at several parts stores and never once have I ran across a "pre-loaded" hydraulic tensioner in any brand for the timing belt on ANY car.

If its within spec it shouldnt matter how many miles are on it. I have however ran across a thread or two where some brand new aftermarket units FAILED not sure if that was user error or just a bad batch.



Kolby

 

[DyNamiC]

I only listed the mileage to show that leaving it extended did not lead to any premature failure on its part. On a side note, I take like 15 minutes to compress the tensioner for safety.

 

[94nonturboGS]

Depending on when the last time the timing belt was done. If you're doing the water pump now you might as well replace the timing belt and components too while you have everything off. Just to save you some trouble