Timing Chain Tensioner

[dawg7]

Is there any way to reinstall the tensioner without removing the front cover? I am asking this for a friend.....He is always getting into trouble with his car. I mean this friend is fearless. He will take apart anything if he has a manual. Doesn't care if some Brit wrote it....doesn't care about the fuzzy pictures.....I told him not to do it but he went ahead and tried to replace the cam on his own! But he is afraid of being embarrassed. So that is why I am writing this on his behalf. Anyway he was replacing the cam and had the chain wedge in place but somehow the tensioner fell out. It is just laying there. Is my friend screwed and need to pop the front cover off?

[zKars]

I've heard stories its possible, but frankly, I'd never attempt it. Off comes the cover.

Take the rad out, it makes it much easier. Really. Especially when you have to take the balancer off the crank.

Remind 'him' of the two 10 mm headed bolts between the head and the front cover that tend to hide in crud and get forgotten. And the two at the base of the cover into the block, just above the oil pan, especially the one behind the oil pump, which has to come off anyway.

Tell him he's not alone. This right of passage has been experienced by many many before him.

[Diseazd]

Yes.....he's screwed and must take the front cover off! :stupid::ogre::sick:

[siteunseen]

It can be done. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/engine-drivetrain-s30/49184-1978-280z-2-2-cylinder-head-removal.html

read post #46

[Diseazd]

I'd love to see someone try to do that and get the chain on correctly at the same time...........I'd pay to see it!

Edited August 9, 2013 by Diseazd

[zKars]

I'm sure its possible. With just the right tools, the right light, with an extra pair of hands, with the spring still around the plunger shaft, with the right patience.... with enough beer...

It's a balance between your, sorry, 'his', fear of the unknown and having a whole day and more patience than I have, to try to get that tensioner back where it belongs and the chain back on...

Dawg7, since you're friend is so anxious to learn and do, I say take this as an opportunity for learning about what's under the front cover and how to properly mechanically time a L engine. enjoy!

[dawg7]

The attempt at putting the tensioner back on failed. The springs was already off the shaft. Off the comes the cover. Really it is a good time to work on a car here in Texas. Put in the garage, crank the AC and get at it. Thanks for the replies! And as a side note O' Reilly parts has the gasket set for the cover!! Felpro or Beck Arnley.

[Kennymonster]

I just did the job couple of months ago for the first time, the timing cover itself is not anything more than say, taking the valve cover off. The difficult parts are making sure the headgasket stays undamaged during the removal/assembly, and you'll probably have to replace the oil pan gasket if it breaks (probably will if it racked up some miles). God I hated that oil pan gasket.

[Diseazd]

He'll really enjoy getting the distributor/oil pump drive installed correctly. I'd install a new front crank seal also.

[zKars]

The challenge is to save the oil pan gasket from getting ripped when you remove the front cover, AND when you put it back on. To help with the removal, start with a thin thin razor knife blade and get between the cover and oil pan gasket with a few passes to separate them. Take the 4 oil pan bolts out first that go into the front cover from the bottom to give you maximum space in there.

Once you are replacing the cover, smooth and chamfer the two top edges and two bottom edges of the front cover (the outside inch or so) slightly so that it doesn't tear into either head or pan gasket as you slide it back together. Just put an extra small dab of sealant on those four edges to ensure a seal. Start with the bottom first, put it over the oil pan gasket 1/8" then start the top under the head. Use a bit of oil on the head gasket and oil pan gasket to make the cover slide and not grab. Go slow when replacing it, and watch what's happening.

Good luck.

[dawg7]

I just took off the oil pan. Good thing I did because whatever was coating the inside of the pan is flaking off big time. But that is the least of my worries....the head gasket stuck to the front cover and is torn. And on top of that my KEG is almost empty!!!!! I am now contemplating working the N42 head like the DatsunZgarage mod tips.....

[siteunseen]

Your friend should at least keep your cup full for all the work your doing, I would.