chain tensioner question
 

My 99 with 140K on the original motor has the chain slap noise on startup. It only happens after sitting for a day or more. I read that one of the tensioners is more prone to leak down due to it being inverted. Is it the one on top or bottom and should I use the new style or old. I searched and get mixed results. Look like my tensioners are the originals

I would replace all 3. Of mine two of the three were scored (ims chain & head 1-3) @105K miles.

Usually its just the IMS tensioner. Replace it and see what happens. Make sure that you have the engine at TDC #1 before you pull the old one!

To replace the tensioner on a 5 chain engine, do you have to lock the cams or can you just pin the crankshaft pulley @ TDC??

Can anyone answer this??

This article might help answer some of your questions
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._Tensioner.htm

On my 70K '01 I replaced the 1-3 and IMS tensioner by just locking the engine at TDC. It did help a little on startup chain slap. I tried to get to the 4-6 (the one that hangs inverted and leaks down) but for the life of me could not get the A/C compressor to give me enough room to reach it. I did purchase the updated version and still want it replaced.

I have pulled my C4 fuel pump fuse and spun the engine over enough to pump it up and it cranks normal - although I did get flamed for mentioning this ;-) but it works, it cranks very quite.

Not to highjack but has anyone cured this problem by replacing all three tensioners?

Thanks for the info Joe - looks like I will need the camshaft securing tool #P253 as well as locking he crank pulley.

Late entry:
dmw - just read your post, that's what I do after the car has sat for a week - remove the fuel pump fuse, let the engine turn over for 5 seconds or so on the starter motor replace fuse and then start up the car. About 50% quieter than a normal cold start.

Over on 986forum.com several guys have replaced just the IMS tensioner & one / both the camchain tensioners with varying results.
I have just been quoted close to $A1,500 (US$1,250) to replace all 3 tensioners -2 quotes from Indi's and 1 quote from the OPC who, incidentally, were the cheapest....

Jake, do you recomend using the new style or the old? The new style has an external spring on it that maintains extremely force when there is no oil pressure? I saw somewhere, someone recomended only using the old style.