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cam chain tensioner

7K views 10 replies 2 participants last post by  GearHd6 
#1 ·
Hello. I'm in the middle of fixing my son's 3 for rod bearing replacement. Following some instructions, I removed both camshafts. The motor is still in the car. Now, I need to release the tension of the cam chain, but I don't know what tool to use. The opening has a torx shape, and I simply don'k know if it just needs to be pressed-in (the tensioner) or turned. My hopes are that someone here helps me with info, and I will be able to complete the overhaul myself. WCS would be to tow it to a shop and have them do it.

Thank you
 
#3 ·
have seen that Autozone guide. Step 23 says "Unlock the chain tensioner using a suitable tool to slowly compress the tensioner piston" The image shows what looks like a screwdriver inserted in the top-right hole of the tensioner itself. My quoted sentence implies that some tool is to be used to press the piston itself in, probably with a levering action, but the image shows something being done in that hole of the tensioner. What needs to be done?
Last night I thought that if the issue is simply one of accessibility to the tensioner hole that is in the side engine cover, I could just drill a big enough hole in the body shield behind the front right wheel, and reach that hole that way...
 
#6 ·
Thank you very much for the clarification. I should have mentioned that my intention is to reassemble the camshafts without having to remove the engine from the car OR having to remove the right side engine cover, due to space limitations. So I drilled two holes to facilitate accessing that area from the right side of the car, behind the wheel. Problem is, in that section the only thing that is there, is what appears to be a torx shaped thing. I looked as close as I could, and it is not a through hole that I could use to lever the tensioner down. Any more ideas, anyone? (I'm going to attempt to post a pic I took that shows the holes I did) (I'm going to research HOW to post a pic in this forum...)
 

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#8 ·
Now I know there was no need to remove the camshafts. Was following the book and Alldata. Big, big mistake. Just saw a photo of the inside of that engine cover, and nothing there indicates that that torx shape would do anything to the tensioner. It's looking more and more like I'll have to remove the cover itself, and I'm doubtful that it can be done with the engine in place...
 
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