FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Timing Chain Tensioner: Description and Operation

Automatic Chain Tension Adjuster





The right and left bank timing chains are provided with their own tensioners. The tensioners are of a hydromechanical type that utilizes the engine oil pressure and can automatically keep the tension of the chains at a proper level without need for manual adjustments.
The tensioner case has an oil port that aligns with the oil port in the cylinder block when it is installed in position. The inside of the tensioner case is a high-pressure hydraulic chamber with a check ball. The pressure of the oil in the camber is adjusted by the relief valve. Featuring a plunger with external screw threads, the tensioner can keep the chain taut constantly even when the engine is stationary.