Timing Belt Tensioner - is it possible to push the pin back in the cylinder?

[captainplanet]

When I released the factory metal clamp on the timing belt tensioner pin, the tensioner roller was not adjusted properly and the pin in the tensioner came out too far.

Is there any way to push it back in or am I stuck purchasing a new one?

[CO AVANT]

Yes it can be done on a vise, but you need to do it very very slow or it can fail.

[osunick]

I would not risk it. The tensioner is designed to never back up so that if the belt stretches it won't slip. The tensioner is cheap. The heads are not.

-n.

[dougyfresh]

Yes it can be done on a vise, but you need to do it very very slow or it can fail.

Yes. Go very slowly with a vice. 1/4 turn on the vice at a time. I've done it probably 4 times already with my current tensioner. You're going against the hydraulic shock and the fluid is fairly viscous so you have to go slowly.

I do not recommend using the idler pulley to turn back and compress the tensioner. I've cracked idler pulleys doing that. I just take the tensioner off and put it in a bench vice as Jordan mentioned.

[EBG 18T]

after just having the timing belt tensioner fail on my wifes car i would play it safe and just but a new one. They are cheap compared to building a new motor. Ours failed with 7k miles.

[dirtybrd]

What Jordan said. You will need something to hold it in also.

[dirtybrd]

after just having the timing belt tensioner fail on my wifes car i would play it safe and just but a new one. They are cheap compared to building a new motor. Ours failed with 7k miles.

If you adjust the belt properly with the mechanical tens., it's doesn't matter if the hydraulic one fails anyway. It's only there to take up slack, which will be minimal.

[captainplanet]

I compressed the piston with a vice, thanks for the help.