Timing Chain Tensioner
f250
17 Oct 2009
When should I change the timing chain tensioner. I have 140K km on the motor and no noise but I see some post of this needing to be done. I wonder because sometimes the car has lots of power and other times noticeably less power.
Chikaratrix
17 Oct 2009
Unless the o-ring is leaking or it is making noise, you probably don't need to change it. If you want to change it before it goes bad here is how:
On the back of the engine on the passenger side right next to the serpentine belt tensioner shock you will find two studs with 10mm nuts on them holding the chain tensioner in place. First thing is to drain the crank case of oil, so do this when you are changing your oil. Once drained unbolt the old tensioner and discard. With the new tensioner push the hydraulic part in and with the small hook place it on the pin to hold it in place(once you see the tensioner you will know what I'm talking about)place it back on the engine studs and bolt back in place. With a 19mm socket place it on the crank bolt and turn clockwise until you hear the tensioner release the pin holding hydraulic part with a couple of clicks. Finish changing your oil and start her up, checking for oil leaks.
On the back of the engine on the passenger side right next to the serpentine belt tensioner shock you will find two studs with 10mm nuts on them holding the chain tensioner in place. First thing is to drain the crank case of oil, so do this when you are changing your oil. Once drained unbolt the old tensioner and discard. With the new tensioner push the hydraulic part in and with the small hook place it on the pin to hold it in place(once you see the tensioner you will know what I'm talking about)place it back on the engine studs and bolt back in place. With a 19mm socket place it on the crank bolt and turn clockwise until you hear the tensioner release the pin holding hydraulic part with a couple of clicks. Finish changing your oil and start her up, checking for oil leaks.
walker428
19 Oct 2009
Chikaratrix, on Oct 17 2009, 04:28 PM, said:
Unless the o-ring is leaking or it is making noise, you probably don't need to change it. If you want to change it before it goes bad here is how:
On the back of the engine on the passenger side right next to the serpentine belt tensioner shock you will find two studs with 10mm nuts on them holding the chain tensioner in place. First thing is to drain the crank case of oil, so do this when you are changing your oil. Once drained unbolt the old tensioner and discard. With the new tensioner push the hydraulic part in and with the small hook place it on the pin to hold it in place(once you see the tensioner you will know what I'm talking about)place it back on the engine studs and bolt back in place. With a 19mm socket place it on the crank bolt and turn clockwise until you hear the tensioner release the pin holding hydraulic part with a couple of clicks. Finish changing your oil and start her up, checking for oil leaks.
On the back of the engine on the passenger side right next to the serpentine belt tensioner shock you will find two studs with 10mm nuts on them holding the chain tensioner in place. First thing is to drain the crank case of oil, so do this when you are changing your oil. Once drained unbolt the old tensioner and discard. With the new tensioner push the hydraulic part in and with the small hook place it on the pin to hold it in place(once you see the tensioner you will know what I'm talking about)place it back on the engine studs and bolt back in place. With a 19mm socket place it on the crank bolt and turn clockwise until you hear the tensioner release the pin holding hydraulic part with a couple of clicks. Finish changing your oil and start her up, checking for oil leaks.
Nice short and sweet write up.
clempot911
21 Feb 2011
Would a bad tensioner make noise at low rpm (like 1,500-1,600) and go away as RPMs rise? If it's fed by oil pressure I'd say it's possible, but this thing looks like it's purely mechanical....
Nismopowered
22 Feb 2011
It uses oil pressure also. You dont really need to drain the oil to change it. As far as the noise also check the drive belt tensioner, they have a problem with noise.
matthewinaz
17 Jan 2012
I believe mine was leaking also down the back side of the engine onto the oil pump down the oil pan and chassis. I went to the dealer and he said the computer didn't show an O'ring on mine-XRS 2003. I was thinking that is weird. So I pulled it and it does have an O'ring and there is no gasket-both model cars don't have a gasket just an O'ring. So I cleaned everything very good and then applied black gasket sealer onto the tensioner and reinstalled it. If it leaks I'll just replace the tensioner.
When I spoke to parts guy he said they replace those O'rings alot. He said tons of them. Very common oil leak problem. Just can't trust that O'ring.
When I spoke to parts guy he said they replace those O'rings alot. He said tons of them. Very common oil leak problem. Just can't trust that O'ring.
dnm
17 Jan 2012
Nismopowered, on 22 February 2011 - 10:59 AM, said:
It uses oil pressure also. You dont really need to drain the oil to change it. As far as the noise also check the drive belt tensioner, they have a problem with noise.
This is not true. The tensioner uses an internal spring for tension. It does get splashed with oil, but only for lubrication; not for functionality. The oil in the timing cover isn't under a lot of pressure.
matthewinaz, on 17 January 2012 - 05:30 AM, said:
I believe mine was leaking also down the back side of the engine onto the oil pump down the oil pan and chassis. I went to the dealer and he said the computer didn't show an O'ring on mine-XRS 2003. I was thinking that is weird. So I pulled it and it does have an O'ring and there is no gasket-both model cars don't have a gasket just an O'ring. So I cleaned everything very good and then applied black gasket sealer onto the tensioner and reinstalled it. If it leaks I'll just replace the tensioner.
When I spoke to parts guy he said they replace those O'rings alot. He said tons of them. Very common oil leak problem. Just can't trust that O'ring.
When I spoke to parts guy he said they replace those O'rings alot. He said tons of them. Very common oil leak problem. Just can't trust that O'ring.
The oil pump is internal to the motor. And yes, those o-rings failing is not uncommon. You can pick replacements up at most car hardware stores. Lubricate it with a little oil, and slide it back in. The reason the parts computer doesn't show it is because I don't think Toyota will sell you the o-ring separately of the pump.
... which is stupid.
matthewinaz
06 Feb 2012
The diagram on the computer did show one for the xr but the diagram for the xrs didn't. But the problem is fixed with some good gasket makeer and replaced the transmisson mount cause it was broken after 140k miles
