How to prime/ check the timing chain tensioner.

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Barry.b

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Hi guys
I re- built my engine about 8 years ago.
I have only recently got it back into the car and I should be able to start it up soon ( ish )
Before I fire it up , I am wondering if I should pull the rocker cover and check the timing chain tension.
I honestly can’t remember if I primed the tensioner or not .
I rebuilt her before I joined this forum so I didn’t have the wealth of knowledge on my side from you guys at that time.
I think it’s safer if I assume I didn’t , otherwise I could have big trouble when it fires up if the tensioner is not set up properly.
Is there a relatively easy way to check it out ?
Thanks again
 
I would. It’s easy. Just pull the valve cover and get a long screwdriver down to the tensioner bar and leverage it back against the piston to see if its got tension. If not, I loosen the 19mm spring/piston cap a few turns and do the bleeding until a little oil comes out of the cap then tighten that and continue to bleed until it firms up.
 
Stevehose said:
I would. It’s easy. Just pull the valve cover and get a long screwdriver down to the tensioner bar and leverage it back against the piston to see if its got tension. If not, I loosen the 19mm spring/piston cap a few turns and do the bleeding until a little oil comes out of the cap then tighten that and continue to bleed until it firms
Click to expand...
Hi Steve
If I do find that I need to do some bleeding, how is that done with the engine slanted over at an angle in the engine bay, can I add the oil from the top somewhere ?
 
Barry.b said:
Hi Steve
If I do find that I need to do some bleeding, how is that done with the engine slanted over at an angle in the engine bay, can I add the oil from the top somewhere ?
Click to expand...
Yes you just pour oil into the reservoir pool under the piston.
 
Check this video. You have to pump the air out of the small piston. There is a small check-valve in it. It only to do after first installation.

And: don’t forget the put oil in the small reservoir. !! Otherwise you won’t get any oil in the tensioner cilinder.

(Maybe not the best English writing, but ….)



 
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Hi guys
I pulled the rocker cover today and primed the tensioner .
While I was in there I squirted some oil over the cam lobes , it will all help on initial startup.
Thanks again !!
 
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