Hi All-

I have a question about replacing the chain tensioner.

I've done this job once with the guides, which required taking the valve cover off. Doing it that way includes fully compressing the tensioner, installing it, then releasing it to move with some sort of pry bar. I'm ok with all that.

I'm starting to get some noise and decided to switch out the tensioner. I've read the DIY where the tensioner is replaced by itself (without opening the valve cover), but those make no mention of the compressing - releasing steps. Should I install it fully extended and let the cap compress as needed?

 

When I did my head gasket the owners manual said to put it in compressed, then put a bar down there and somehow get it to pop out. I couldn't figure it out.

I read somewhere online that you could just put it in without compressing it so thats what I did.

On the other hand I also read that if you put it in compressed it would pop out on its own when it got oil.

Sorry I'm not much help lol. Since I wasn't sure, putting it in uncompressed seemed the safest since I knew for sure it was going to be doing something, and not just sitting in there compressed .