Belt tensioner help
 

Hi guys

Having just bought a 968 after owning a 944S2 and turbo this is my first post on this part of rennlist.

OK so I have just followed the invaluable DIY guide further down for replacing the cam chain and slipper pads without any problems.

I have come to putting on the new cam belt and refitting the cam belt tensioner and have found that I can refit the tensioner without compressing it. Its tight but I didnt expect that. Is this right?

Thanks

Rich

...
answering to the original question:
no, you should not be able to put it w/o using excessive force. Might be that the hydraulic unit has relaxed or the rod is bent ...

I don't think that was the question asked. No you should not be able to install the tensioner unless its compressed. It sounds like yours might be seized, and is not extending properly, or something else is wrong.

+1

Thanks guys

Does anyone have a picture of a fully extened unit or a measurement of the overall distance so I can compare.

Rich

To be clear, the tensioner can be installed without being compressed, but only if the belt is not on yet. If the belt is on, and the pivoting arm is on, then the extended tensioner should not be able to fit.

I mean, even when it's compressed, and there is a pin stuck in it to hold it compressed, it's still a bit tight to install it while the pivoting arm is in the way. No way it should fit when relaxed.

You might need to start asking around for a used tensioner or bite the bullet on a new one ($$$).

Apparently a new one is $150.

Can anyone tell me how far it extends from the compressed position?

Mine is extending about 10mm when not fitted to the car.

Rich

Richy, I have a used tensioner available if it turns out you need one.

Thanks Alex - you couldnt measure the overall length for me could you then I will know if I need a replacement.

Rich

There is a measurement in the shop manual but I'm not at home. If you don't have an answer by this evening, I will look it up.

If you don't want to wait, you could take the tensioner off and put it in a vise to see if it retracts and expands. It is a VERY strong spring in there and it takes a lot of force to compress.

Hi again, tensioner is already off but my vice isnt big enough to compress it. Have tried pulling it but no go.

That dimension would be appreciated later.

Cheers

Rich

I just measured 13-14mm. BTW, I use a giant C-clamp to compress this thing -- super easy to compress with this.

http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_4337.jpg
http://forums.rennlist.com/upload/img_4338.jpg

Fantastic - thanks turns out my tensioner must be OK as it is about the same.

I guess the only other thing it could be is that I have the wrong tensioning roller, anyone know the diameter of this?

Or any other thoughts.

Thanks

Rich

Make sure you still have the button on the tensioner. Its a piece of plastic that stick in the tensioner hole and mates to the tensioner pin.
Something is definitely not right. Its a tight fit normally. Any chance you can post pictures of your setup.
Raj