HELP '97 Starfire 2.4 waterpump re/re, Timing chain tensio..

External Since: Aug 21, 2004 Posts: 1

This is the 2.4 liter twin cam engine with the timing gear driven water
pump.

How do you get the timing chain tensoiner (hydraulic + spring) to re-tension
after reassembling the timing chain after a water pump replacement? The
tensioner pushed in easily with some spring tension, seemed to lock when
turned and now won't release or bounce out even after startup.

External Since: Jan 17, 2004 Posts: 34

If your engine is like the Quad Four in my Grand Am you may benefit from
this procedure from the shop manual:

Reload timing chain tensioner assembly to its "zero" position as follows:

Form a keeper from a piece of heavy gage wire (figure in books shows that
it's U-shaped with a half inch between the legs of the U)

Apply slight force on tensioner blade to compress plunger.

Insert a small screwdriver into the reset access hole and pry the ratchet
pawl away from the ratchet teeth while forcing the plunger completely in the
hole.

Install the keeper between the access hole and the blade.

Install tensioner assembly to chain housing.

Recheck plunger assembly installation; its is correctly installed when the
long end is toward the crankshaft.

Install tensioner bolts (don't forget to remove the keeper now).

"Spud" wrote in message

> This is the 2.4 liter twin cam engine with the timing gear driven water
> pump.
>
> How do you get the timing chain tensoiner (hydraulic + spring) to
re-tension
> after reassembling the timing chain after a water pump replacement? The
> tensioner pushed in easily with some spring tension, seemed to lock when
> turned and now won't release or bounce out even after startup.
>
>
>
>
>