C4inLA

Saw Video of cam timing being set based on original tensioners installed vs the Shop tool or DIY tool (brake spreader mod)? What am I missing? Seems to me that the actual tensioners would be real world, why workshop manual reference the tension tool?

Here is scenario i want to address and as Yogi Bear says; if you come to a fork in the road take it"

Upcoming Gasket changes requiring timing exercise;

My approach;

Verify TDC marks on pulley are correct.
Set lash on cyl 1 & 4.

I want to check timing as car sits before changes.

If I don't get 1.26mm on gauge and for example get 1.38mm?

It's fork in road time...

A. Make all gasket and o-ring updates and then with tensioner reinstalled, ensure I match the 1.38mm I had at beginning? The dial gauge, untouched from start. By doing this I eliminate some variables.

B. trust that 1.38mm needs to be set down to. 1.26mm ? Which means I have to sell myself the idea that in 20+ years settings have wondered or was not at 1.26mm from factory ?

Talk me off the ledge, somebody

Rocket Rob

You can't check the cam timing with the OE tensioners. They apply tension with a combination of a light spring and hydraulic pressure. Without the engine running, the oil pressure is zero therefore the chain tension is too light. If they OE tensioners were good enough, the factory would not have bothered to create special tools. You need to either use the factory chain tensioner tools or the Stomski equivalent.

prschmn

It's not that you have to use the factory tool but you do have to ensure that the drive side of the chain
is under tension. And it's more likely that you're going to find less valve lift than more due to stretch
in the used chain.

C4inLA

Gentlemen,

Much appreciated and makes sense.... I'm off the ledge ...

C4inLA

Appears this chap did the experiment... I will do the same just for giggles and opt for tool approach.... Gotta love Yt....

jamesjedi

What are you using to create the tension other than the factory tool, or Stomski tool? I see that some people are using alternative methods such as a steering wheel puller.

jamesjedi

Also, do we need two of them? There will be a reason for them being sold in pairs.

C4inLA

I will MacGyver brake pad spreader. Factory tools as noted are different per side and pricey....

Michael D'Silva

yes, that's my video.

I did it with Stomski took, brake pad spreader, and stock tensioners and the same result each time.

I sold my Stomski tensioners after that.. figured there was no need for them.

C4inLA

Michael,

Thanks for making the experiment video... YT is my friend. I intend to use DIY tool. Will check timing as you did and hopefully get consistent results .. stay tuned ...