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YOUR RESEARCHReplacing chain tensioners
Leading reported evidence
Replace three tensioners
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My 99 has done it for the 10 years that I�ve owned it even though I changed all three tensioners.
Leading evidence: 'Replace three tensioners' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Fill system' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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I�m pretty sure the IMS chain guide cannot be replaced without splitting the case.
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Suggestion
I figure if they can handle the brutal conditions of an engine they can handle a toilet fill system.
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Suggestion
I ended up using them on a household repair where they were a perfect fit.
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Suggestion · Original poster
Also if in the future I replace chain guides, can that be done without removing the engine reasonably?
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Suggestion
In the 5 chain engine you can replace all the pads except for the Crank to IMS chain pad without splitting the cases but you will have to drop the engine, remove cams and other items.
Replace top and bottom tensioner pads (not guides)
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Suggestion
Following�You can replace the top and bottom tensioner pads (not guides) on both sides (that�s 4 in total) that are used in the Variocam part of the engine without removing the engine, that�s for sure.
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Outcome without a verified action link
This fixed my bank 1 to 0* but my bank 2 was still at -2.7*..
I read on other forums that if you replace the chain tensioners one at a time, there is no need to lock the cams.
Although i get it that buying the tools and plugs and locking is "safer" is there really a big risk in doing one at a time?
Also if in the future I replace chain guides, can that be done without removing the engine reasonably?
Thanks
1999-- 996 c4
Following�You can replace the top and bottom tensioner pads (not guides) on both sides (that�s 4 in total) that are used in the Variocam part of the engine without removing the engine, that�s for sure.
I think there are 3 tensioners on this 5-chain engine.
I�m pretty sure the IMS chain guide cannot be replaced without splitting the case.
Yes u can do the tensioners without locking. U still may want to put a pin in the harmonic pulley so nothing spins.
I would not recommend doing the variocam pads jn the car although it can be done. Its very tight and u have to get creative on a couple of the proceedural steps.
Just drop the motor its more to do but it may even be quicker in the long run.
In the 5 chain engine you can replace all the pads except for the Crank to IMS chain pad without splitting the cases but you will have to drop the engine, remove cams and other items.
Maybe a stupid question, but do you need to drain the oil to change the tensioners? I'm suspecting I have a bad bank 1 (driver's side) tensioner, i.e. the one with two rings on it. My engine starts rattling appx. 5 seconds after startup, and rattles for 10 to 30 seconds.
I would still change the tensioner but don�t be shocked if the noise is still present. The 99�s had an earlier version of Lokasil that creates some noise like you describe for the first 30-60 seconds after a cold start. My 99 has done it for the 10 years that I�ve owned it even though I changed all three tensioners.
My new tensioners came with the o-ring preinstalled but I had already bought them separately. I ended up using them on a household repair where they were a perfect fit. I figure if they can handle the brutal conditions of an engine they can handle a toilet fill system. 😆😆
I don�t recall if it came with the crush washers. You might search the PET and see if they are the same size as the crush washer(s) used on the manual transmission plug(s).
@islaTurbine
I recently purchased an early build that has a short rattle at startup. Wondering if I should try replacing the chain tensioners? I would hate to have that IMS chain guide fail and have to tear the motor down for such a simple issue. A pic just to keep it interesting 😀
I don�t remember reading many posts where replacing the tensioners results in fixing the early 3.4 5-chain cold start rattle issue. So to that end, it�s just a guess if you replace them.
Tesioners r a maintainence item so they do need to be replaced at some point. The ims and left bank r easy to get to and right bank is under the ac compresssor. If u r gonna do 1, do all 3. Will it fix the start up rattle, probably not but u wont have to worry about a bad tensioners.
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