Timing chain tensioner help.

[meltdowndave]

While tracking down an engine noise, I thought that I'd pull the timing tensioner and give it a looksy.

1. I found 8 teeth showing. In case it was a fluke, I reinstalled it and removed it several more times. The first time I had 10, but twice had 8. I assume that since it can't be pushed back in that I bumped it while cleaning the oil thus giving me the higher initial reading.

I can't find an exact number for how much wear is acceptable on this here i-net forum. It has 15 tick marks before maxing out, so I assume that I'm still good. Is that so?

2. I lost the !*&!@$$&* plunger for the tensioner!!! While taking it out the 3rd time just to make sure that I was reading it right, the spring went one direction and the plunger went another. It's lost somewhere in the recesses of the engine compartment.

What can I replace it with? Will any similar sized nail or syringe plunger do the trick? It seems that so long as the spring can force it towards the the timing chain when needed, it shouldn't have to be too elaborate.

A replacement tensioner is almost $90. No way I'm paying that for a $.05 plastic piece when I probably have something around the house that does the trick.

Any info on either of these issues?

[earthworm]

http://www.geocities.com/ng900set/TC...er.html?200728

Maybe the local yard.

[meltdowndave]

Originally Posted by earthworm

http://www.geocities.com/ng900set/TC...er.html?200728

Maybe the local yard.

Yes, I was using that link as a reference. Thanks though.

Anyway, a light switch cover screw seems to be about the same size and shape as the plastic plunger. So far so good

[hapcj7]

hey meltdown,,

Yea,, that could be tricky,,, You gotta be careful with the spring and such ..Im in the same situation,,, My spring tensioner was out like 15 mm,,Leaving 3 clicks til full max extension on plunger,,,, The Saab service says anything over 15 mm should be adressed,,,,Its not an emergency..When it gets really bad it will start to rap on the valve cover etc..If you are running stock power, it should be fine for a while,, Im running Stage 3+, som im planning on doing something in the Spring. Hope this help some.)..Anything you substitute for that plunger should be fine. Just make sure it cant escape from the spring.It just applies pressure on the plunger. Maybe the dealer can get one for ya...Good luck,,