Cam Chain tensioner... Serious issue, or just annoying?
07-07-2007, 03:27 PM
#1
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Cam Chain tensioner... Serious issue, or just annoying?
My engine has developed an interesting dieseling noise, not unsimilar to the noise most describe when the cam chain tensioner is failing. It doesnt make any noise above idle, and is only sometimes present. Engine temp does not seem to be a factor, but the noise has gotten a bit louder and more consistant with time. If this is indeed the culprit, how long is it safe to wait before changing it out? I have searched and found that it is dangerous to let progress, and also that the noise is harmless and just irritating. What is the cost of having this done (AEB), and am i capable of doing this on my own (installed my gtrs, about the limit of my ability)? Any insight or additional knowledge would be much appreciated.
07-07-2007, 03:38 PM
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timing belt must be done and technically its like changing the tensioner seal
Most dealers will charge probably about 12-14hrs to do the job.
Its not terribly hard to do. Cams have to be timed/spaced properly. you should do the cam seals when you take the cams out especially on an older motor..
If you can do a timing belt you can do the tensioner more then likely..
Its not terribly hard to do. Cams have to be timed/spaced properly. you should do the cam seals when you take the cams out especially on an older motor..
If you can do a timing belt you can do the tensioner more then likely..
07-07-2007, 06:05 PM
#3
wrong...
It takes about 2 hours (helps to have a friend) to do the tensioner. Pull the valve cover gasket, put the engine at tdc, mark the chain on the tensioner, pull the cams out and pull the tensioner out. Put the new tensioner and gasket in, clean up the surfaces, put the cams back in, line up the marks, crank the motor by hand, put new valve cover gaskets on, start 'er up.
07-07-2007, 07:41 PM
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tech article
pretty easy to do. just be sure to verify part numbers, later models use a different CCT than the AEB engines.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ca-va.org/tech/camtensioner/index.html">http://www.ca-va.org/tech/camtensioner/index.html</a</li></ul>
07-08-2007, 05:41 AM
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I'd do it sooner than later
The cam chain tensioner has plastic guide rails. Mine sheared off and pieces dropped down into the oil pan.
End result was having to drop the oil pan, flush it out, change oil pickup tube (after I had changed the cam tensioer on my own). Lots of labor...@$1,200.
Change the $200-$400 tensioner part now
End result was having to drop the oil pan, flush it out, change oil pickup tube (after I had changed the cam tensioer on my own). Lots of labor...@$1,200.
Change the $200-$400 tensioner part now
07-08-2007, 06:58 AM
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HAHAHAHAH and you plan to get the cams out without removing the timing belt how
I realized later that I miss worded timing belt must be done and simply meant that it must be removed.. But even for a tech who has done it 100s of times you are talking about more then 2 hours.