Audi 1.8 timing tensioner piston

[Wadenettles]

Piston won't compress. Any suggestions?

[diagnosticator]

It could take 5 to 10 min to compress the tensioner appling constant force. The tensioner must be compressed slowly in a vice, and the retainer plate that holds the tensioning rod in the tensioner body when fully compressed needs to ready to insert into the slot and hold the rod fully compressed. You won't be able to hold the tensioner rod compressed without the locking plate while you reinstall the tensioner to the block.

[redline380]

Mine went right in, but you have to do it slowly. Think I used a channel locks, or just pressed it down on the concrete using my body wieght

[Gin+]

Vice was the only fees-able method I could come up with and as others have pointed out it was about a 1/4 turn every 10 seconds or so.