Bank 1 Chain Tensioner removal

[Dan C]

I've been trying to find the answer to the question, do I need to lock the cam just to remove and re-seal the bank 1 chain tensioner on a 3.6 (2004 C2)?  I have a small oil drip and debating replacing the crush washer and o-ring.  I've done a lot of searching on forums and posted on rennlist but most everything I have found is tied to replacing the IMS bearing (which involves removal of this tensioner).  Picture of the tensioner in question attached.

[JFP in PA]

You should NOT remove any of the tensioners on a three chain engine, or a five chain for that matter, without first locking the crank at TDC to unload the cams, and then locking the cams with the proper tool.  Not doing so is running a very high risk of the valve spring pressures causing everything to turn and the cams to jump time, which then creates a major league headache to repair.

[Dan C]

Makes sense.  Thank you!

[Dan C]

Any recommendation for finding these locking tools?  I see cam timing "sets" that are a several hundred dollars but all that I'm looking for is the tool to lock the cam while I change out the tensioner o ring and crush washer.  I read somewhere that locking crank at TDC can be done with a simple dowel.  I'm just trying to fix a slow drip from the tensioner and don't want to spend money for a full kit.

[JFP in PA]

33 minutes ago, Dan C said:

Any recommendation for finding these locking tools?  I see cam timing "sets" that are a several hundred dollars but all that I'm looking for is the tool to lock the cam while I change out the tensioner o ring and crush washer.  I read somewhere that locking crank at TDC can be done with a simple dowel.  I'm just trying to fix a slow drip from the tensioner and don't want to spend money for a full kit.

 

They are only sold as kits, try searching for someone selling a used kit, or even renting it online.

[wasz]

Just make one out of plate for the cam.

e.g. http://burnerscars.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/how-to-make-porsche-ims-camshaft.html

 

Use an 8mm drill bit to lock the crank

Edited May 4, 2018 by wasz

[wylken2010]

I accidentally remove the tensioner without locking the crank shaft..

what to do in order to ensure no further failure ?

[JFP in PA]

19 minutes ago, wylken2010 said:

I accidentally remove the tensioner without locking the crank shaft..

what to do in order to ensure no further failure ?

 

Welcome to RennTech 

You didn't say what year and model is involved, which is always useful information, or why you removed the tensioner.  Realistically, you can reinstall the tensioner you removed, and then go through the cam allocation procedure to see where the cam timing is currently, resetting it if necessary.  If you removed more than one tensioner, just remember that they are not all the same and each one must be installed in the correct location,

 

Good luck.

[wylken2010]

Thank you for your prompt support..

 

Porsche 996 C4 2002 3.6L

 

I didn't notice the it was a tensioner while I was doing regular engine oil change..... until I remove it then I knew I was totally wrong.. so sad.

Now keep the car stationary without any movement.. so bad....

[wylken2010]

I removed only one, the one close to the oil pump

[wylken2010]

Can I just install it back then start the engine ? to see what will happen ...........but what is the consequence or any serious failure if I really start the engine without checking the can timing..  because I didn't try any cam setting before. 

[JFP in PA]

9 minutes ago, wylken2010 said:

I removed only one, the one close to the oil pump

 

Now I need to ask a couple of questions: There are three hydraulic chain tensioners in these engines, two on the flywheel end, one on the water pump/oil pump end, and that one is located underneath the AC compressor, on the top of the engine.  None of them are anywhere near the oil pump, which is almost directly below the water pump.  So exactly what did you remove? And did it come from here:

 

[JFP in PA]

And did it look like this when it came out:

[wylken2010]

I removed this one

[JFP in PA]

OK, that is a hydraulic chain tensioner, so my original comments apply.

[wylken2010]

4 hours ago, JFP in PA said:

OK, that is a hydraulic chain tensioner, so my original comments apply.

Thank you