Timing belt - problem with mech tensioner

bw77 · Post by **bw77** » 21 Jul 2009, 04:12

Replaced my timing belt, idler and mechanical tensioner. I went to readjust the tensioner, as the pointer was not quite centered in the window. As I was adjusting, heard a snap, and the back part of the tensioner that engages the raised part on the block had bent. Bad part or did I make a mistake? I did notice that the new tensioner did not seem as sturdy as the old one. The new one is on the right in the pic.

: IMG_0823.JPG (57.51 KiB) Viewed 527 times

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 21 Jul 2009, 09:51

I recently replaced the tensioner on my 2000 V70 and didn't have any problem like that. It was the first timing belt I'd done so I did fiddle around and readjust it quite a few times including removing and reinstalling it at least once. Did you try bending it back and re-installing?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 21 Jul 2009, 16:55

What brand was the replacement?

I don't do anything - with the exception of a HEPU water pump - that is aftermarket on the timing system. Even with OEM vendor parts I have had a couple of bad tensioner rollers from INA.

If it was a ScanTech don't even think about putting it back in.

...Lee

bw77 · Post by **bw77** » 21 Jul 2009, 17:24

The tensioner is INA, Made in Germany, in a blue Volvo box. I straightened out the bent tab with a pliers, and put it back it, and it seems to be ok, but I didn't start the engine. The part is under warrantee, and the new one is coming tomorrow, so I will wait for the new one, not take a chance that bending the tab back might have weakened it.