I'm installing a new timing chain tensioner during a full rebuild. I've read the relevant prior posts and the manuals but I still have a question. The old tensioner was broken at the lower pivot/mount. There was a small circlip (more like just a small wire bent round) installed in a groove on the post that holds the bottom of the tensioner. I didn't have to deal with it when removing the old tensioner as it was broken. Now I'm trying to install the new tensioner and I can't put the circlip on after the new tensioner is installed (the groove isn't visible) and I can't push the tensioner over the circlip if I install it before the tensioner. I've seen no mention of this circlip in the manuals or the catalogs. Any suggestions on how to deal with it? Is it necessary?

Thanks, Ben

 

what year and motor are you working on please?

 

1983 xjs 5.3 he

 

I dont remember a clip on that pivot peg.

The peg sits in the block, the tensioner slides over that peg, the exposed end sits in a hole in the timing cover.

Thats why releasing that tensioner before the timing cover is installed is NOT a good idea, as that peg will tilt slightly, and cover fitment will be near impossible.

I will go look in the shed/s later and see what I may have scribbled down over the years, but I really dont, and cannot picture any sort of clip on that peg.

 

I be back, damn HOT in those sheds today.

OLD age has struck again.

YES, there is a wire clip on that pivot pin. NO you dont remove it. The pin slides OUT of the block as the tensioner is pulled clear.

My new tensioners all came with a pin, inserted in the lower hole.

You need to remove that pin from the block, refit that clip, insert the pin into the tensioner pivot hole, and slide the assembly into place as the pin slides into its hole in the block.

The section of pin protruding past that clip, inserts into the corresponding hole in the timing cover as it is offered up to the block.

 

I have never noticed a circlip on that pin,
I see no reason to have one.
Does'nt the pin just be interference fitted to the block ?
The bottem end of the tensioner bore that fits the pin can be easily bust by using the Jag repair manual method of detensioning.

 

I agree, but the 3 have done have had it.

YES, the pin is a firm push into the block, and then the remains are located ointo the timing cover mating hole.

Never, release that tensioner without the cover installed, that pin can move a few thou off square and the timing cover will not fit easily. Much pushing and shoving and odd words will be spoken.

Rotating that engine backwards can/will also snaps that thing at the lower pivot.

 

OK, thanks for looking and your explanation makes sense. Since the old tensioner had the lower portion of the pivot pin hole broken away I had no reason to pull the pin from the block. I'll try pulling the pin and reinstalling in the block with the new tensioner and the wire clip already installed on the pin. Sounds like the clip is there just to make sure the pin doesn't go too deeply into the block.

Ben