how to install timing belt tensionner?

[bmwm3guy]

i tried searching but no luck. How do you compress the tensionner? Im lost plz help.

[pelado]

I'm pretty sure there's a FAQ about this somewhere but you put it in a vise and insert a pin or wire to hold it in place.

[fry_81]

your supposed to use a press but not many have access to these so a vise should work just as well. i had a hell of a time putting mine back on too.

[lakersfan1]

I took mine to Autozone and they let me use thier bench vice for free.

[zevirii]

Get a BIG C-clamp from home depot = $10... Then a big paper clip = 2 cents.. compress and insert clip... install tensioner and pull pin.. Enjoy...

[bmwm3guy]

haha i went to Canadian Tire, used their C clanp in their store, and shoved a nail that i "found"

[zevirii]

Easy as that...

[mdavis]

Don't use a paper clip... that could be rather dangerous The shop manual says not to exert over 1000lbs when compressing it... that is a lot of pressure. GO get a drill bit that fits and compress it with a vise.

[Gro Harlem]

I used a medicre sized c-clamp with no problems to compress it, then I shoved a small "brad" nail inside the hole to hold it.

[lakersfan1]

Originally posted by mdavis:
Don't use a paper clip... that could be rather dangerous The shop manual says not to exert over 1000lbs when compressing it... that is a lot of pressure. GO get a drill bit that fits and compress it with a vise.

I think a paper clip is fine. I've used a bobby pin which is about half the thickness of a paper clip, and the bobby pin didn't even deform.

[bmwm3guy]

I used a small drywall nail and it didnt bend it at all.