Limit to how many times tensioner can be recompressed Topic is solved

Post by **Sveedy** » 04 Feb 2022, 14:23

So this will be the third time I'm recompressing my tensioner. Is there a limit on doing this ? This tensioner is new with 0 miles.
I have another one that has only been recompressed once, but it has 20k miles on it. Which would you use ? When I compress them, I do it over many many hours. I just take it and the clamp into the house, and give it a little turn every so often. But I'm worried that they might lose some of their " push " after repeated compressions.

Post by **Clemens** » 04 Feb 2022, 14:55

Just an uneducated guess, but I think you should be good with a few slow compressions. The amount of movement over time will definitely equal more than 3 full compressions.

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Feb 2022, 15:17

I would have no concerns at all with the 20k one as long as you are confident about how it has been compressed in its lifetime.

On a pesky timing belt job I have certainly had to recompress 3-4 times before; I assume that as long as you go slowly the hydraulic mechanism won't know it's been compressed. But I've never seen the mechanism!

Post by **misha** » 05 Feb 2022, 02:54

If there are no signs of leaking when you remove it from the car,if it's hard to compress it and if it doesn't leak while compressing or after it's been compressed...reuse it.

You don't need to wait for hours to compress it...just take your time and do it slowly...around 30 min.

I'm on 4th timing belt now and tensioner was compressed around 4-5 times during it's lifetime and it's still original.
Mileage is close to 400k km.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Feb 2022, 03:00

Have we ever seen a failure on this part?

Post by **misha** » 05 Feb 2022, 05:06

I didn't.

Post by **Clemens** » 06 Feb 2022, 14:34

Those who have might not be riding the p80 train anymore.

Post by **jreed** » 07 Feb 2022, 05:35

In one of Robert DIY's videos he mentions to check for silicone oil seeping around the piston -- that's a sign of a failed internal oil seal.

Post by **mecheng** » 07 Feb 2022, 10:02

Do you have to compress it slowly to prevent heat building up too quick?

Post by **misha** » 07 Feb 2022, 11:22

1/4 or 1/8 slow turn in a big vise every min or two.
The key is not to force it while compressing.
When it is compressed,insert a pin to lock it.