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All,

Because of an upcoming trip I've planned on my '02, (that AND I was tired of listening to the sewing-machine type clicking while at high-idle), I decided to upgrade the cam tensioner with the one from rubber chicken racing. The job was very straight forward but was even easier because of a new tool purchase (needed for a different automotive project): crow's feet.

I bought a set a little over a month ago because they were the ONLY way I could remove a remote oil filter line on my old Toyota Land Cruiser without removing the header and intake manifold. The set cost me ~$75 from Sears which is pricey, but they did accidentally include two extra pieces in the set. Bonus.

Anyway, the cam tensioner change only took me ~45min start to finish (all tool roundup time included) and I did not have to take off the throttle body. I loosened the tensioner with the crow's foot, then I could unscrew and screw in the tensioners by hand (most of the way). Slightly tedious but not too bad. Pictures below:

Crow's foot. I needed a 17mm to remove the tensioner and 15 to install the new (if I recall correctly).


A view of tightening the tensioner:


Tightening the tensioner:


A view of the scoring visible on the original tensioner. My bike has ~18000miles.


Would it be worth it to buy these things for just this? No, not unless you have a lot of disposable income. However, they are really great for the two jobs I've used them for; I can't believe I've been going for all these years without a set!

-Michael

Excellent approach.....if I remember correctly one can purchase the crow's foot as individual units from Sears.

Picture worth a thousand words. I have wondered how those attachments were useful for years.
Now it's clear. Thanks for the clear description.

I used a 6 point 17mm (remove) and 15mm (install) socket, with 2 short wobble extensions in a series, like these:



They allow the axial misalignment needed to remove/install/torque the old/new tensioner. It's a 5 minute job if you manage to NOT fumble with the removal and install pieces/parts. 10 minutes when you fumble it like I did in the parking lot at the Ozark Bash for what's-his-name. Nothing but the tensioners needs to be removed! A strong pencil magnet makes it easier too.

The Crows Foot works if that's all you have, but it may dog-ear distort 2 of the Aluminum hexhead flats. Not a problem on the removal of the old one. Could be a problem torquing in the new one. Nothing beats a 6 point socket when torquing Aluminum bolt heads. Using fingers is also too slow compared to the 3/8ths drive extensions with a stubby ratchet once it's loosened -and- to run the new one down to snug prior to be torqued. Just saying that if you are going to purchase tools, the correct ones should be where you spend the money.



Edit: to add factual disincentive for purchasing a Crows Foot just for this job.

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On a related matter......


How many miles SHOULD a 15mm headed tensioner last??

I HAVE replaced the original on my bike (I think) - but I'm getting a camchainy type noise again - bike has 75,000 miles (give or take)