s2krazy01

Ok! So I JUST came inside from replacing my tensioner. Being the first hands-on thing I've done on any car (other than changing oil) I'm a little worried. When I removed the set pin, I did not hear a 'pop'. Do I need to worry about the piston aligning correctly with the chain? Am I ready to just crank her up? Please respond so I can go drive!

Billman250

You should definitely hear a loud click when pulling the pin. The piston does not need any type of aligning to the chain guide.

As long as you tightened the bolts first, then pulled the pin, then re-installed the plug, you should be fine.

s2krazy01

by 'plug' you mean the maintenance bolt right? if so then yes, I did all of that. I didn't need to preload the TCT with oil did I? Also, say the new TCT doesn't work or something, what will happen to my engine on start-up? Automatic blow-up or will I have time to shut it off with no damage?

Billman250

Plug=maint bolt.

No need to pre-lube it.

I have a hard time that the TCT didn't pop when you pulled the pin. It's supposed to come out a little tough. Stick a pick through the plug hole and see if you can wiggle the chain giude.

s2krazy01

what is the chain guide? the piston thingy? and if it wiggles that's good, right? sorry to be such a pain, but i'm a first-time mechanic.

Billman250

The chain guide is what the piston of the TCT contacts inside the engine.

It should be tight. No wiggle

s2krazy01

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Billman250

Here's money pic. This is what's hiding behind the head. The chain guide, note the contact point for the TCT piston. You can also see the pin not yet pulled from the tensioner through the maint hole, and the tensioner housing on the side of the head.



Now buy an s2ki membership, and I just may give advice and pics with your next problem thread

s2krazy01

I will buy the Super Deluxe Platinum Membership after I get out of my immediate debt. The good thing about not driving my car for the last week is no speeding tickets!

no seriously, it's one of my New Year's resolutions.

Onto more pressing news: There was no wiggle, and I went a step further and started the car. I'm happy to announce it started fine. I'm not happy to announce that it made the noise again. Is it supposed to do that the first startup after install? That would make sense since the new tensioner has not had a chance to correct the chain yet (I may not know what I'm talking about). I think I have discovered that the tensioner has been replaced on my car before. The number on the part is NTN 1. If i've read correctly, this is the new part number, the old ones said NTN 2.

nnkfws333

I didn't think NTN1 or NTN2 means anything really. I replaced mine but my noise came back. It actually starts everytime I start it up now since the weather just got really cold. Im lost on what to do now...maybe try a different oil maybe?