jrusell
Well-Known Member
The easy way to install manual tensioner is to hold the chain guide tight against the chain. Use a spacer of some sort to fill the gap between the case and guide is the easy way. As long as the guide can't move, the chain can't skip when the tensioner is removed.Why does the factory style one would need the valve cover off? I'm going with a manual one when I do mine soon, but was just curious.
When you install a factory tensioner it is in the retracted position. (there is a small steel clip holding it retracted)
To release the tensioner you must tap the end of the tensioner facing the chain guide with something. This releases the steel clip and allows the tensioner to extend fully.
The normal way to tap the tensioner is to slap the chain guide back against the tensioner and it will release. You can't slap the guide back and keep tension on the chain at the same time.
With a manual tensioner you bolt it back in and then extend it until it pushes on the chain guide. Then you remove your spacer. The guide is never slack and therefore the chain can never skip.
There are several posts on how to do both types of tensioners with lots of pics of the methods used. Search the tech section.
Also when finished no matter what method you use, be sure to rotate the engine over 4-5 times to make sure there is no resistance. The chain can skip very quickly and you might not know it happened. Rotating by hand a few times will give you a bit more piece of mind everything is good.