Timing Belt Tensioner | FerrariChat

Timing Belt Tensioner

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by porchnut, Jan 28, 2015.

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  1. porchnut

    porchnut Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2014
    282
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bober
    Holy Cow, mechanic called and said to order a complete timing belt tensioner for both sides as the pin is froze tight. Can this be disassembled, cleaned and put back together? I would think getting a new spring and pin would work if the plate and support were cleaned of rust.
     
  2. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
    5,401
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    Your mechanic likely doesn't want to be liable if it ever sticks again and it causes a problem. I would think it could be cleaned and made reliable. They are installed and bolted tight so they do not move at all when in use or between belt changes so that can lead to freezing. It only has to work, pin and spring, during installation and tensioning, then it's bolted solid. I have a 3.2, don't know if the t is different if that is what you have.

    You might collect them and pull them apart and clean them yourself. The mechanic may not want to be responsible for any potential issues that might arise.
     
  3. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,629
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    The T model is different
     
  4. porchnut

    porchnut Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2014
    282
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bober
    Mine is a 1986 - 3.2
     
  5. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,629
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    Well, then, disassemble it, clean it, lube it, and re-use it.
     
  6. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hey yelcab is right there are no issues at all with cleaning and greasing the tensioner itself, it's very low tech a spring and plunger affair, however you will need X2 new tensioner pulley wheels with your new belts.
    Regards Bell
     
  7. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,261
    The Netherlands - NH
    Full Name:
    Tijn
    I think I would take it home with the car around it!

    Just raising an eyebrow here. I would be very scared if a mechanic is saying things like this and does not know how to fix it other then order a new part. Not sure if he is peeking into your pocket if you are easy with it to do it a next time on other things. Sorry if it is a personal friend mechanic. When I hear these things I get always really suspicious.

    Like Dirk said after bolded on it doesn't go anywhere. Go with Yelcab and Bell.

    All the best!
     
  8. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Good point MvT
     
  9. porchnut

    porchnut Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2014
    282
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bober
    Thanks guys, I've watched Bell's YouTube several times and I'm sure it needs taken apart cleaned and greased and reassembled, will update later. Worse case maybe I'll buy new springs.
     
  10. porchnut

    porchnut Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2014
    282
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bober
    Just got back from the mechanic, it looks like timing belt tensioners have never been serviced for the life of the car (29 years), as the lubrication was almost no existent. Told the mechanic clean them up, lubricate them and re-install. He was just was being cautious and wanted to make sure that it was what I wanted to do. Told him I had seen worse when I restored my '62 356B Porsche. He thought the rust on bolts and brackets was bad, but told him the car spent much of it's life on the east coast and Chicago area and didn't surprise me. When I get it back it is going to major cleaning of parts of rust and coat bottom to prevent damage. The shop turns out great work and I'm glad I found them.
     
  11. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    To be honest although my video shows me regreasing the tensioner bearings, if they are that old I'd replace them. This is because if the balls are even slightly pitted they will break down even with new grease in.
    Regards Bell.
     
  12. porchnut

    porchnut Formula Junior

    Dec 2, 2014
    282
    Tucson, AZ
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bober
    Bell, I did get new bearings from Ricambi America (Hill Engineering PT308), I'm referring to the end of your video when you were cleaning and applying new grease to the tensioner spring (part #104148) and sleeve (part #102819) which is all apart of the belt stretcher assembly.
    Love your videos wish I had your mechanical talent, really appreciate them. Thanks again for everything you have done on this forum, Andy
     
  13. bartzagato

    bartzagato Formula Junior

    Aug 7, 2010
    614
    Belgium
    Full Name:
    Bart
    I think that the repair manual has the tollerances for the the tensioner spring. I changed the (very cheap) springs but after measuring the old ones, they seemed ok, so they are on the shelves.

    Keep a close eye on your 'so called' mechanic....

    Next time: do it yourself, with the Mondi brotherhood on your side, just a few clicks away.
    It's some serious bonding with your car and with a little more confidence than the Ikea boy with wrenches who is giving you sleepless nights right now!
     
  14. Bell Bloke

    Bell Bloke Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2012
    1,839
    UK
    Hi Andy sorry my mistake there, yes servicing the tensioner assembly and spring is absolutely fine.
    Hey glad you liked the videos, it's great to know they are helping people
    many thanks Bell
     

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