Sheared off auto-tensioner plunger, why?

[deflator]

I was hoping not to have to replace my timing belt auto-tensioner on my engine, a 6 bolt with a 2g head. It had 70 miles on it.

But...I tried to set the preload on the pulley with the jayracing tool, and the pin would only come out when there was no load on it. When preloaded, it would not budge, the opposite of what you want.

So I removed the tensioner, and the top sheared off at the pin hole...

Did I break it with too much load on the belt with the pin in? Or was the tensioner screwed since I compressed it in a vice without being patient. I wasn't aware you had to go easy and just compressed it. I don't want to break another $80 part.

 

[Tyeler18]

I'm going to assume you blew the seal and ####-eyed the shaft when you tried to compress it in the vice. Not that uncommon.

 

[92AWDHX40]

I did that once I broke my tensioner off on my new one I got mine replaced at the dealer, same day I told them it broke and it did not sure what I did to break it.

 

[luv2rallye]

Nothing like learning the hard way! Replace the auto tensioner with new factory one (no after market or you will regret it). Compress it first in a vise 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 in the new one.

 

[Dude McGee]

Definitely tip toe when you compress it. Like stated above, do at most a half turn of the vice, putz around for a minute, another half turn, finish your beer, another turn, ect. Better to go overly slow and cautious for this procedure than rush through and ruin another tensioner. Your not the only one to learn this the hard way Live and learn, right? DSM tensioners are unforgiving.

 

[deflator]

Yeah, I learned that info after compressing it quickly.

But how did blown seals lead to the top of it shearing off? That is what I don't understand, since it snapped at the eyehole for the pin, near the top of the plunger. At least it left no doubt that something was wrong.

 

[ileagle95]

A minute is an overkill, id compress a little, wait 10-15 seconds then a little more, and repeat until you can put an allen key, or drill bit in to hold it.

 

[athlete3344]

Better safe than sorry, is an extra 5min of your time worth another trip back to the dealer + $ for the same part? Why rush it?

 

[Trilogy Turbos]

Buy a new tension my friend! Better safe then sorry. Don't play around with timing!!!
Regards,

TRILOGY TURBOS